Seat Altea XL 2007 Owner's Manual

Driving169
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Hill stop
– Hold the vehicle, in all cases, using the foot brake to prevent
rolling back.
– Do not try to slow the vehicle using another forward gear (engine braking).
Descending gradients
– With the gear engaged, release the brake and accelerate.The steeper the gradient the lower the gear must be for effective engine
braking. For example, if 3rd gear is used on a very steep gradient, the engine
braking is insufficient and vehicle accelerates. So that the engine speed does
not become excessive, the gearbox changes to the next highest gear. Depress
the brake pedal and move the selector lever to the Tiptronic gate to return to
3rd gear.
WARNING
•
The driver should never leave the vehicle while the engine is running or
with any gear selected. If for any reason you must leave the vehicle with the
engine running, apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to posi-
tion P.
•
When the engine is running and the po sitions D, S or R are selected, it
is necessary to hold the vehicle with the foot brake because the vehicle will
creep at a low speed.
•
Never accelerate while changing the position of the selector lever (risk
of an accident).
•
The selector lever must never be mo ved into the positions R or P while
moving (risk of an accident).
•
Before descending a steep gradient, reduce speed and use the Tiptronic
programme to select a lower gear.
•
If you must stop on a hill, always hold the vehicle using the footbrake
to avoid rolling back.
•
The footbrake must not be held for a long period of time, not even
lightly; continuous braking will ca use overheating of the brakes and a
reduction or even a loss of braking power and a significant increase in
braking distances.
•
Never allow the vehicle to coast down a gradient with the selector lever
in positions N or D, even when the engine is not running. For descents, the
use of the Tiptronic programme is recommended to keep the speed
reduced.Caution
•
Never use the automatic gearbox to hold the vehicle stationary on a hill,
even for short periods, as this may overheat the gearbox and cause damage.
Apply the handbrake or depress the foot brake to hold the vehicle in position.
•
If the vehicle is allowed to roll with the engine stopped but the selector in
position N then the gearbox may be damaged because it will not be
lubricated.WARNING (continued)
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Driving
170Using the Tiptronic gear system
The Tiptronic system allows the driver to manually select
gears
Overview of driving with the Tiptronic system
Changing gear with Tiptronic (selector lever)
– Put the lever in the position D and press towards the right to
enter the Tiptronic gate ⇒fig. 138.
– Press the gear lever forwards (+) to select a higher gear.
– Press the gear lever back (-) to select a lower gear.
Changing gear with th e steering wheel levers
– Pull right paddle (+) towards the steering wheel to change up ⇒fig. 139.
– Pull left paddle (-) towards the steering wheel to change down ⇒fig. 139.The levers on the steering wheel give access to the manual driving
programme, regardless of the programme previously selected.
Overview of driving with the Tiptronic system
When accelerating, the automatic (DSG) gearbox automatically shifts up to
the next gear shortly before the maximum permitted engine speed is
reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox does
not change down until the point is reached where the engine could no longer
overrev.
If the “tiptronic” is selected whilst the vehicle is in motion and the automatic
gearbox / direct shift gearbox is in the 3rd gear in selector lever position D,
the “tiptronic” will then also be in the 3rd gear.
Fig. 138 Changing gear
with TiptronicFig. 139 Steering wheel
with levers for automatic
gearboxes
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Driving171
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
•
The gear levers in the steering wheel can be used regardless of the posi-
tion of the selector lever when the car is moving.
HandbrakeUsing the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park. Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
⇒fig. 140.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the locking knob in the direc- tion of the arrow ⇒fig. 140 and guide the handbrake lever down
fully ⇒ .
Always apply the handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-
brake applied ⇒.
The handbrake warning lamp
 lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The wa rning lamp goes out when the hand-
brake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear in the instrument display: HANDBRAKE ON . Also, an
audible warning is given.
WARNING
•
Never use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle when it is in motion.
The braking distance is considerably longer, as braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Ri sk of accident!
•
If it is only partially released this will cause overheating of the rear
brakes, which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead
to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads/linings.Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected.
Fig. 140 Handbrake
between the front seats
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Driving
172Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
–Apply the handbrake.
– The first gear should also be selected.
– Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ .Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll against the kerb if it did
start to roll.•
If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point
towards the kerb.
•
If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away
from the kerb .
•
Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and
selecting first gear.
WARNING
•
Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
unattended.
•
Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
•
Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.
•
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could set the
vehicle in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear
lever / selector lever.
•
Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Acoustic parking aid system*Rear parking aid
The parking aid system will use an acoustic signal to warn of
the approach of any object towards the rear of the vehicle.Description
The acoustic parking aid system will measure the distance between the rear
of the vehicle and any possible obstacle using four ultrasonic sensors located
on the rear bumper. The measuring range of the sensors starts at approxi-
mately and depending on the nature of the obstacle at a distance of:•
side of the rear bumper: 0.8 m
•
centre of the rear bumper: 1.3 mWARNING (continued)
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Driving173
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Activation
The system is activated by engagement of the reverse gear. A brief acoustic
signal confirms the activation and correct function of the system.
Reversing
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 vehicles fitted with a tow bar by the manufacturer, the parking aid system
will not be activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a
trailer, as the trailer’s electric conn
ecter will be plugged into the vehicle.
To avoid system malfunctions, when not driving with a trailer, remove the
trailer hitch.
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 acou stic 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 ob stacles (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.
•
Obstacles with uniform edges and bumps may not be detected immedi-
ately by the system due to their geometry. Take special care around this type
of obstacle such as corners, rectangu lar objects, etc.., these can cause
damage to the vehicle.
•
Be especially carefully when mano euvring 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.
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Driving
174Cruise control system (CCS)*Description
The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed in
the range from approx. 30 km/h to 180 km/h.Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the accel-
erator.
WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible
to drive at constant speed.•
For safety reasons the cruise control system should not be used in
dense traffic, in sections with bends or where ro ads conditions are poor
(e.g. aquaplaning, loose chippings, slippery surfaces, snow). Risk of acci-
dent.
•
Always switch off the CCS when you have finished using it. This will
prevent you using it by mistake.
•
It is dangerous to use a set speed whic h is too high for the current road,
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending gradi-
ents. The vehicle will accelerate under its own weight. Use the foot brake to
slow the vehicle.
Switching the cruise control system on and offSwitching on the system
–Push the switch ⇒fig. 141 to the left to ON.
Switching off the system
– Either push the switch to the right to OFF or turn the ignition
off when the vehicle is stationary.When the cruise control is on and a speed is programmed, the indicator  on
the instrument panel is lit.
19)
If the cruise control system is switched off, the
 symbol is switched off. The
system will also be switched off fully when the 1st gear is selected.*
19)Depending on the model version
Fig. 141 Turn signal and
main beam lever: Switch
and rocker switch for CCS
AB
AB
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Driving175
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Setting speed*–Press the lower part SET of the rocker switch ⇒fig. 142 once
briefly when you have reached the speed you wish to set.When you release the rocker switch, the current speed is set and held
constant.
Adjusting set speed*
The speed can be altered without touching the accelerator or
the brake.Setting a higher speed
– Press the upper part RES+ of the rocker switch ⇒fig. 143 to
increase the speed. The vehicle will continue to accelerate for as
long as you keep the rocker switch pressed. When you release
the switch, the new speed is stored.
Setting a lower speed
– Press the lower part SET– of the rocker switch to reduce the
speed. The vehicle will automaticall y reduce its speed for as long
as you keep the switch pressed. When you release the switch, the
new speed is stored.
Fig. 142 Turn signal and
main beam lever: switch
and rocker switch for CCS
AA
Fig. 143 Turn signal and
main beam lever: switch
and rocker switch for CCS
AA
AA
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Driving
176When you increase speed with the accelerator and then release the pedal, the
system will automatically restore the set speed. This will not be the case,
however, if the vehicle speed is more than 10 km/h higher than the stored
speed for longer than 5 minutes. The speed will have to be stored again.
Control of the set speed is switched off if you reduce speed by depressing the
brake pedal. You can reactivate the control by pressing once on the upper part
of the rocker switch RES+ ⇒ page 175, fig. 143 .
WARNING
It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.Switching off the system temporarily*The cruise control system will be switched off in the following situations:•
if the brake pedal is depressed,
•
if the clutch pedal is depressed,
•
if the vehicle is accelerated to over 180 km/h,
•
when the lever is moved in the direction of OFF without fully being
inserted.
To resume the cruise control, release the brake or clutch pedal or reduce the
vehicle speed to less than 180 km/h and press once on the upper part of the
rocker switch RES ⇒fig. 144 .
WARNING
It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.Turning off the cruise control system*
AA
Fig. 144 Turn signal and
main beam lever: switch
and rocker switch for CCS
AB
AA
Fig. 145 Turn signal and
main beam lever: switch
and rocker switch for CCS
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Driving177
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
The system
is completely turned off by moving the control all the way to
the right hand side (OFF engaged), or when the vehicle is stationary, ignition
off.
Vehicles with automatic gearbox / DSG* automatic gearbox
To completely turn off the cruise control system, engage the gear selection
lever into one of the following positions: P , N , R or 1 or stop the vehicle and
turn the ignition off.
AA
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