warning Seat Altea Freetrack 2012 Owner's Manual

249
If and when
Loosening the wheel bolts
The wheel bolts must be loosened before raising the vehicle.
Fig. 171 Changing the
wheel: loosen the wheel
bolts
Loosening
– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel bolt.
– Grasp the box spanner by the end turn it about one full turn to
the left ⇒ fig. 171.
Tightening
– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel bolt.
– Grasp the box spanner close to the end and turn the bolt to the
right until it is secured.
– An adapter is required to unscrew or tighten the anti-theft
wheel bolts.
WARNING
Loosen the wheel bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle
with the jack, otherwise there is a risk of accident.
Note
● If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be able to loosen it by pushing
down the end of the spanner carefully with your foot. Hold on to the vehicle
for support and take care not to slip. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

250If and when
Raising the vehicle
In order to remove the wheel, the vehicle must be raised
with a jack.
Fig. 172 Jack position
points
Fig. 173 Fitting the jack –
Locate the jacking point under the door sill closest to the wheel
to be changed ⇒ fig. 172.
– Place the jack under the jacking point and turn the crank until
the arm of the jack is directly below the vertical rib under the
door sill.
– Align the jack so that the arm of the jack fits around the rib un-
der the door sill and the movable base plate of the jack is flat
on the ground ⇒ fig. 173.
– Raise the jack until the defective wheel is just clear of the
ground.
Recesses at the front and rear of the door sills mark the jacking points
⇒ fig. 172. There is only one jacking point for each wheel. Do not fit the jack anywhere else.
An unstable surface under the jack may cause the vehicle to slip off the
jack. Therefore, the jack must be fitted on solid ground offering good sup-
port. Use a large and stable base, if necessary. On a hard, slippery surface
(such as tiles) use a rubber mat or similar to prevent the jack from slipping.
WARNING
● Take all precautions so that the base of the jack does not slip. Failure
to do so could result in an accident.
● The vehicle can be damaged if the jack is not applied at the correct
jacking points. There is also a risk of injury since the jack can slip off
suddenly if it is not properly engaged.


253
If and when
You will also find instructions for operating the compressor.
WARNING
● Do not attempt to repair a puncture with the sealing compound if the
tyre has been damaged by driving the vehicle after the tyre has lost its
air.
● Always observe warnings and follow instructions concerning com-
pressor and sealing compound carefully.
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h, avoid heavy acceleration, hard
braking and fast cornering.
● Tyres which have been repaired with sealing compound are only suit-
able for temporary use over a short period. Therefore, please drive care-
fully to the next available specialised workshop.
For the sake of the environment
If you have to dispose of a sealant can, go to a specialised waste service or
to a SEAT Technical Service, where the product can be recycled in an appro-
priate waste container.
Note
● If sealant should leak out, leave it to dry. This way you can pull it off like
a piece of foil.
● Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can. Have the
sealing compound exchanged by a specialised workshop.
● Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not possi-
ble with the sealing compound. Preparation work
Certain steps must be taken before repairing a tyre.
–
If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away
from the flow of traffic as possible.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage first gear , or put the selector lever to position P.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Check whether a repair is possible using the Tyre Mobility Sys-
tem “General information and safety notes.”
– Unscrew inflation cap from the affected wheel.
– Take the tyre repair kit 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
Take special care if you have to repair a tyre on a slope.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

256If and when
The electric windows are protected by circuit breakers. These reset automat-
ically after a few seconds when the overload (caused for example by frozen
windows) has been corrected.
Fuses colour code
ColourAmpslight brown5Red10Blue15Yellow20Natural (white)25Green30orange40Red50white80Blue100grey150violet200
WARNING
Never “repair” damaged fuses and never replace them with fuses with a
higher rating. Failure to comply could result in fire. This could also cause
damage to other parts of the electrical system.
Note
● If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical sys-
tem must be checked by a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● If you replace a fuse with higher-rating fuse, you could cause damage to
another location in the electrical system. ●
Always keep some spare fuses in the vehicle. These are available from
SEAT dealers.
● In addition to the fuses listed in the following tables, there are other
fuses which must be replaced by the Technical Service Workshop. 

270If and when
11. Turn on the heater blower and heated rear window in the vehi-
cle with the flat battery. This helps minimise voltage peaks
which are generated when the leads are disconnected.
12. When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse order to the details given above.
Connect the battery clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with
the battery terminals.
If the engine fails to start, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and
try again after about half a minute.
WARNING
● Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the engine
compartment ⇒ page 219, Working in the engine compartment.
● The battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the
flat battery (12V) and approximately the same capacity (see imprint on
battery). Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
● Never use jump leads when one of the batteries is frozen. Danger of
explosion! Even after the battery has thawed, battery acid could leak and
cause chemical burns. If a battery freezes, it should be replaced.
● Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes away from batteries, dan-
ger of explosion. Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
● Observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the jump
leads.
● Do not connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to
the negative terminal of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the battery
could be ignited by sparks. Danger of explosion.
● Do not attach the negative cable from the other vehicle to parts of the
fuel system or to the brake line.
WARNING (Continued)
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. The jump lead attached to the positive battery terminal must not
touch metal parts of the vehicle, this can cause a short circuit.
● Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact
with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not bend over the batteries. This could result in chemical burns.
Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as
soon as the positive terminals are connected. 

271
If 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 268.
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 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. Inexper-
ienced drivers should not attempt to tow. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

272If and when
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
the tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of
overloading 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 ap-
ply considerably more pressure to the brake pedal than you normally would.
As the power assisted steering does not work 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.
● 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 gear-
box, 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 should
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. 

276Description of specifications
Information on fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehicle
data sticker differ from one vehicle to another.
The vehicle's fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions can be consulted on the
vehicle data sticker in the spare wheel well, inside the luggage compart-
ment and on the rear cover of the Maintenance Programme.
The fuel consumption and CO 2 emission values refer to the weight category
assigned to your vehicle according to the engine and gearbox combination,
as well as the specific equipment fitted, and is only used to compare be-
tween the different models.
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 the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions
and requirements.
● 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 (in certain cir-
cumstances 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 ⇒ 
. 

277
Description of specifications
Drawbar load
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
wheelbase of less than 1 metre), a minimum of 4% of the actual trailer
weight is legally required for the drawbar load.
WARNING
● For safety reasons, do not exceed the 80 km/h limit. This is also valid
in countries where higher speeds are permitted.
● Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the drawbar load. 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.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

Index
A
ABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Adjusting the seat belt height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
AFS (cornering lights) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Air conditioner General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Air conditioner automatic mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Air conditioner* 2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Air recirculation mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Manual air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
All-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Alternator
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Aspects to note before setting off . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ASR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . 128
Deactivating anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . 128
Automatic car wash tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Automatic gearbox Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox 175
Automatic lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Automatic windscreeen wiper/washer . . . . . . 124
Auxiliary audio connection: AUX-IN . . . . . . . . 148
B
Ball coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Battery
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Before setting off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Biodiesel fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Brake pedal warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Worn brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187, 195
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Bulb changes General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Bulb defect warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120, 168
285
Index