tow Seat Altea Freetrack 2013 User Guide

127
Lights and visibility
Rear window wiper 
The window wiper lever operates the windscreen wiper and
the wash and wipe system for the rear window.
Fig. 86 Windscreen wip-
er and windscreen wash
lever: rear window wiper
Switching on the interval wipe
– Press the lever forwards to position 6
⇒ Fig. 86. The wiper will
wipe the window approximately every 6 seconds.
Switching off the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever back from position 6
towards the steering wheel.
The wiper will continue to function for a short period if you
switch off whilst the wipers are in motion.
Switching on the windscreen wiper and washer system
– Press the lever fully forwards to position 7
⇒ Fig. 86. The wash
function will start immediately and the wiper will start with a
slight delay. The windscreen wash system will function as long
as you hold the lever in this position. –
Release the lever. The wiper then wipes for approximately 4 sec-
onds, and then in intervals again.
– Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wipers
function.
WARNING
● Worn and dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and safety levels while
driving.
● Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒ page 232, Changing
windscreen wiper blades.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blade is not frozen to the
glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you switch on the wiper
when the wiper blade is frozen to the glass, this could damage both the
wiper blade and the wiper motor.
Note
● The windscreen wiper will only function when the ignition is switched on
and the rear lid is closed.
● In reverse gear, with the windscreen wipers switched on, the rear wind-
screen wiper will make one wipe. 
Headlight washer*
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses. The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen
washer is used and the window wiper lever is pulled towards the steering
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped beam headlights or 
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139
Seats and storage
Stowage areas under the front seats*
There is a storage compartment with a cover under each
front seat.
Fig. 101 Storage com-
partment under the front
seats
The drawer* ⇒ Fig. 101 A
is opened by pushing the button and putting the
cover back.
There are two open positions of 15 and 60 degrees depending on the pres-
sure applied to the cover. In the 60 degree position, the cover will collapse
if too much pressure is applied.
To close the drawer, press the cover until it locks into position.
WARNING
● The drawers will hold a maximum weight of 1.5 kg.
● Do not drive with the drawer cover open. There is an injury risk for
passengers if the cargo is released in case of sudden braking or an acci-
dent.
 Folding tray*
Folding trays are fitted to the rear of the front seat backrests.
Fig. 102 Folding tray on
the front left seat
– To open the tray, open it up in the direction of the arrow
⇒ Fig. 102.
WARNING
● The folding trays may not be folded down whilst the vehicle is in mo-
tion and anyone is seated on the second row of seats. There is a risk of
injury during a sudden braking manoeuvre! The tray must therefore be
closed and properly secured whilst the vehicle is in motion.
● Do not put hot drinks in the drink holders. During normal or sudden
driving manoeuvres, sudden braking or an accident, the hot drink could
be spilled. Danger of scalding.
CAUTION
When driving, do not leave open cans in the cup holders. The drink might
be spilt on braking, for example, and could damage the vehicle. 
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145
Seats and storage
Multi-purpose mobile storage compartment* - General
information
This storage compartment may only be placed in the central
area of the rear seat
Fig. 112 Mobile storage
compartment. Opening
Fig. 113 Mobile storage
compartment. Functions Opening
–
Lift the cover B
, in area A ⇒ Fig. 112.
Closing
– Push the cover down, until it clips into place.
Uses of the mobile storage compartment
● The front open glove compartment may be used to store small objects
that will not damage passengers in the event that the objects are flung
around the interior of the vehicle.
● The cup holders are used for holding drink cans or cups.
● The elastic belt on the side may be used for keeping papers and maga-
zines.
● The tables may be used as a support for writing.
To use the table C
⇒ Fig. 113, it must be removed from its compartment in
the side of the mobile storage compartment and fitted into slot D
⇒ Fig. 113 on the front section of the mobile storage compartment.
The table in the right-hand compartment is fitted in the left-hand slot of the
front of the mobile storage compartment and the table in the left-hand com-
partment is fitted in the right-hand slot.
The tables have two positions for use and cannot be interchanged.
WARNING
● The mobile stowage compartment supports a maximum load of 5 kg.
Do not overload.
● Do not drive when the cover of the mobile storage compartment is
open.
● Do not drive when the tables are set up for use. 
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150Seats and storage
Note
● The warning triangle and the first aid kit do not belong to the standard
vehicle equipment.
● The first aid kit must comply with legal requirements.
● Observe the expiry date of the contents of the first aid kit. After it has
expired you should purchase a new one.
● Before acquiring accessories and emergency equipment see the instruc-
tions in ⇒ page 217. 
Fire extinguisher*
The fire extinguisher* can be attached to the luggage compartment carpet
with Velcro.
Note
● The fire extinguisher does not belong to the standard vehicle equip-
ment.
● The fire extinguisher must comply with legal requirements.
● Ensure that the fire extinguisher is fully functional. The fire extinguisher
should, therefore, be checked regularly. The sticker on the fire extinguisher
will inform you of the next date for checking.
● Before acquiring accessories and emergency equipment see the instruc-
tions in ⇒ page 217. Luggage compartment
Storing objects
All luggage must be securely stowed. Please observe the following points to ensure the vehicle handles
well at all times:
– Distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment
as possible.
– Secure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable
straps on the fastening rings*.
WARNING
● Loose luggage and other loose items in the vehicle can cause serious
injuries.
● Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly move and
change the way the vehicle handles.
● During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects in the passen-
ger compartment can be flung forward, injuring vehicle occupants.
● Always store objects in the luggage compartment and secure with
suitable straps. This is especially important for heavy objects.
● When you transport heavy objects, always take in account that a
change in the centre of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle han-
dling.
● Please observe information on safe driving ⇒  page 7, Safe driving.

155
Air conditioning
Air distribution
Control 4
for setting the flow of air in the required direction.
 – Air distribution towards the windscreen. 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 deactivated. For safety reasons,
the air recirculation mode should not be connected.
 – Air distribution to the upper body
 – Air distribution to footwell
 – Air distribution to the windscreen and the footwell
Blower
The air flow can be set at four speeds with the control 5
. The air flow
should always be set at the lowest speed when driving slowly.
WARNING
● For road safety all windows must be clear of ice, snow, and condensa-
tion. This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise your-
self with the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, in-
cluding the anti-fog/defrost functions for the windscreens.
● In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehi-
cle interior. The windows can quickly fog over if the heating is switched
off. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode switched on for a
long time (risk of accident).
Note
Please observe the general notes ⇒ page 164. 
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157
Air conditioning
Heating and cooling the interior
Fig. 127 On the dash panel: Climatic controls
Interior heating
– Turn the temperature selector ⇒ Fig. 127 1
clockwise to select
the required temperature.
– Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4.
– Set the air distribution control to the air flow configuration de-
sired: 
(towards the windscreen),  (towards the chest), (towards the footwell) and  (towards the windscreen and
footwell areas).
Interior cooling
– Switch on the air conditioner using the button ⇒ Fig. 126 AC
.
– Turn the temperature selector anticlockwise until the desired
cooling output is reached.
– Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4. –
Use the air distribution control to guide the flow of air in the re-
quired direction: 
(to the windscreen),  (to the upper
body),  (to the footwell) and  (to the windscreen and to the
footwell).
Heating
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning system is switched on, not only the temperature,
but also the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves
comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows
when the ambient air humidity is high.
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on this may be caused by
the following reasons: 
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158Air conditioning
● The engine is not running.
● The blower is switched off.
● The outside temperature is below +3 °C.
● The air conditioning system compressor has been temporarily switched
off because the engine coolant temperature is too high. ●
The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a speci-
alised workshop. 
Air recirculation mode 
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells from coming from the outside.
Fig. 128 On the dash panel: Climatic controls
Air recirculation mode ⇒ Fig. 128 
prevents strong odours in the outside
air from entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a
tunnel or in queuing traffic.
With low temperatures outside, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the heating system by warming the air inside the vehicle rather than
the cold air from outside. With high outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the vehicle
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 connec-
ted.


164Air conditioning
With high outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the vehicle
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 connec-
ted.
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 notes
Pollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and active carbon filter)
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and
pollen.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the pollution filter
must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Plan.
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.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning system is switched on, not only the temperature,
but also the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows
when the ambient air humidity is high.
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on this may be caused by
the following reasons:
●
The engine is not running.
● The AC
button is disconnected.
● The outside temperature is below +3 °C.
● The air conditioning system compressor has been temporarily switched
off because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a speci-
alised workshop.
CAUTION
● If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch it off with but-
ton AC
to prevent further damage and have it checked by a specialised
workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. Therefore, we recommend you to take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop.
Note
● If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensa-
tion can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and so forming a pud-
dle underneath the vehicle. This is completely normal and there is no need
to suspect a leak.
● Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and
leaves to ensure heating and cooling are not impaired, and to prevent the
windows from misting over.
● The air from the vents flows through the vehicle interior and is extracted
by slots designed for this purpose. Therefore, do not cover these slots with
items of clothing or other objects. 

167
Driving
WARNING (Continued)
● Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of
at least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest ⇒ Fig. 134. If
you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not protect you.
Risk of fatal injury.
● If your physical constitution does not allow you to maintain the mini-
mum distance of 25 cm, contact a Technical Service. The Technical Serv-
ice will help you to decide if special specific modifications are necessary.
● If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face,
the driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident.
Make sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold
the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner
(e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In
such cases, if the airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the
arms, hands and head.
 Safety
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC helps make driving safer in extreme driving condi-
tions.
Fig. 135 Detailed view of
the centre console: ESC
switch.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains the electronic differential lock
(EDL) and the traction control system (ASR). The ESC works together with
the ABS. Both control lamps will light up if the ESC or ABS systems are faul-
ty.
The ESC system is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot be switched off. The ESC switch
only switches the ASR off.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin is desirable.
For example: 
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168Driving
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it backwards and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on when you no longer need wheel
spin.
WARNING
● Do not forget that the electronic stability control ESC cannot 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. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESC in
⇒ page 187, Intelligent technology.
 Ignition lock
Position of the ignition keyFig. 136 Ignition key po-
sitions
Ignition switched off, steering lock 0
In this position
⇒ Fig. 136 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steer-
ing may get locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the steer-
ing wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle theft
⇒ 
.
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on 1
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the key cannot be
turned or it is difficult to turn from position 0 to position 1, move the
steering wheel from one side to the other until it is released. 