stop start Seat Altea XL 2009 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SEAT, Model Year: 2009, Model line: Altea XL, Model: Seat Altea XL 2009Pages: 297, PDF Size: 9.36 MB
Page 4 of 297

Contents3
ContentsManual structure
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Content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety First
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safe driving
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 
Pedal area  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stowing luggage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Belt tension devices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Airbag system
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Curtain airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating airbags*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Securing child seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Operating instructions
 . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Overview  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Digital display in the instrument panel  . . . . . . . 
Instrument panel menus* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering wheel controls*
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unlocking and locking
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Keys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights and visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen wipers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mirrors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seats and stowage
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . 
Head restraints  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stowage compartments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical 
sockets* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher  
Luggage compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
 . . 
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Climatic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2C-Climatronic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Address  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Starting and stopping the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox*  
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cruise control system (CCS)*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Practical tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-ABS 
(ABS and TCS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*  . . . . 
Driving and the environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exhaust gasses purification system . . . . . . . . . . 
Economical and ecological driving  . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
5
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135 144
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Cockpit57
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
display
4). 
Stop the car and switch off the engine.  Check the coolant level 
⇒ page 220  ⇒.
Even if the coolant level is correct  do not continue driving. You should obtain 
technical assistance.WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety warn-
ings  ⇒page 213.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At 
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the 
engine overheating.Rev counter
The rev. counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per 
minute.The start of the red zone  ⇒page 55, fig. 33    indicates the maximum 
engine speed operating at service temperature. However, it is advisable to 
change up a into a higher gear, move the selector lever to D or lift your foot 
off the accelerator before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of 
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up into higher gears early will  help you to save fuel and minimise 
engine noise.SpeedometerThe speedometer is equipped with a digital odometer and a trip counter, in 
addition to a service intervals display.
During the running-in period,  the instructions shown on ⇒page 190 should 
be followed.Setting the digital clock* 
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.– Turn the setting knob  ⇒page 55, fig. 33    clockwise until the 
first “click” to set the hour. The hour will flash. To change the 
hour, press the button.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to  the second “click” to set the 
minutes. The minutes will flash. To change the minutes, press the 
button.
4)Depending on the model version
A4
A5
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Cockpit
76First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal 
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity ⇒ .
WARNING
•
If your vehicle is immobilised for any technical reasons, move it to a 
safe distance from traffic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights on and 
place the warning triangle.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no 
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
•
The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before carrying out any 
work in the engine compartment, swit ch off the engine and allow it to cool 
down. Always note the corresponding warnings  ⇒page 213.
Rear fog light 
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on 
. Further 
information  ⇒page 109.
Tu r n  si g nal s  
 
The warning lamp flashes when  the indicators are in opera-
tion.Depending on which indicator is operating, either the left 
 or right 
 indi-
cator lamp flashes. Both  warning lamps will flash at the same time when the 
hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both indicators fails, the warning lamp will start flashing twice faster 
than normal. Further information on the indicators 
⇒page 116.
Engine management* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management system 
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp 
 (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition 
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out 
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are 
driving, this warning lamp will light  up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
Glow plug system / Engine fault 
 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are 
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp 
 is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow  plugs are preheating. When the 
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp 
 flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving, 
the glow plug lamp will flash 
. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service 
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
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Cockpit
78wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break 
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance.Washer fluid 
This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen 
washer level is too low.This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity 
⇒ page 222.
The following message is shown on the instrument panel display*
11):  REFILL 
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID .
Alternator 
 
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp 
 lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go 
out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer 
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest qualified 
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipm ent that is not absolutely necessary 
because this will drain the battery.
Tyre pressure* 
The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and 
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.The tyre monitor 
12) compares wheel revolutions  and with this information, 
the diameter of each wheel using the ESP sensors. If the diameter of a wheel 
changes, the tyre monitor indicator lights  . The wheel diameter changes 
when:
•
Tyre pressure is insufficient.
•
The tyre structure is damaged.
•
The vehicle is unbalanc ed because of a load.
•
The wheels of one axle are under more  pressure (for example, driving with 
a trailer or on extreme slopes).
•
The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
•
The emergency wheel is fitted.
11)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
12)Depending on the model version
Fig. 49  Centre console: 
tyre monitor system 
button
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Cockpit
80This warning lamp can light up together with the anti-lock brake system 
warning lamp.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on 
⇒ page 213.
•
If the brake warning lamp does not  go out, or if it lights up when 
driving, the brake fluid level  ⇒page 226, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is 
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the ve hicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp 
 lights up together with the ABS warning 
lamp 
, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could 
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the 
rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
Engine oil pressure 
This warning lamp indicates that the engine oil pressure is 
too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three  audible 
warnings, switch off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is too 
low, add more engine oil  ⇒page 216.
The instrument panel displays the following message
15): STOP ENGINE OIL 
PRESSURE INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct, do not  drive on. The 
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Cruise control system* 
The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system 
is switched on.The warning lamp 
 lights up when the cruise control system is switched on. 
Further notes on the cruise control system  ⇒page 179.
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 
approx. 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
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 li ght up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It should go out once the engine is started.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the engine 
running. The warning light only goes of f after a distance of approx. 50 m.
There is a fault in the electromechanical 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 faults . If it lights yellow, this indicates a 
minor fault. If it lights red, seek workshop assistance immediately, if no 
assistance is available stop driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
15)Depending on the version of the model.
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Lights and visibility
122icing in the zone. The function is switched on by pressing the rear heating 
window key 
.
WARNING
•
Worn and dirty wiper blades obstruct visibility and reduce safety levels.
•
In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless 
you have warmed the windscreen with  the heating and ventilation system. 
The washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and obscure 
your view of the road.
•
Always note the corresponding warnings on  ⇒page 223, “Changing 
windscreen wiper blades”.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the 
glass before using the wipers for the first time. If you switch on the wipers 
when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you could damage both 
the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
•
The windscreen wipers will only work when the ignition is switched on.
•
In certain versions of vehicles with alarms, the windscreen wiper will only 
work when the ignition is  on and the bonnet closed.
•
When in use, the wipers do not go as far as the rest position. When the 
lever is moved to position 0, they are totally hidden.
•
The next speed down will automatically be selected if speed ⇒ page 121, 
fig. 85    or   is selected when the vehicle stops. The set speed will be 
resumed when the vehicle starts again
•
The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds once 
the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated, provided the vehicle 
is in transit (drip function). If you activate the wipers less than three secionds 
after the drip function, a new wash sequence will begin without the last wipe.  For the “drip” function to work again, you have to turn the ignition off and 
then on again.
•
When the “intermittent wipe function” is on, the intervals are directly 
proportional to the speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed the shorter 
the intervals.
•
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. 
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the 
obstacle and switch the wiper back on again.
•
Before removing any objects that may be trapped in the side areas of the 
windscreen, always move the wiper arms to the service position (horizontal).
•
The heat output of the heated jets is controlled automatically when the 
ignition is switched on, depending upon the outside temperature.
A2
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Lights and visibility
124Rear window wiper 
 
The windscreen wiper lever operates the windscreen wiper 
and the wash and wipe system for the rear window.
Switching on the interval wipe
– Press the lever forwards to position    ⇒fig. 88 . The wiper will 
wipe the window approximately every 6 seconds.
Switching off the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever back from position   towards the steering wheel.  T h e  wi p e r  will  co n t i n u e  to  fun c t i o n  fo r  a  sh o r t  p e r i o d  i f  yo u  s wi tch  
off whilst the wipers are in motion. Switching on the windscreen wiper and washer system
– Press the lever fully forwards to position   
⇒fig. 88 . 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  seconds, and then in intervals again.
– Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wipers func- tion.
WARNING
•
A worn or dirty wiper blade will obstruct visibility and reduce safety.
•
Always note the corresponding warnings on  ⇒page 223, “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 tailgate is closed.
•
In reverse gear, with the windscreen wipers switched on, the rear wind-
screen wiper will make one wipe.
Fig. 88  Windscreen wiper 
and windscreen wash 
lever: rear window wiper
A6
A6
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Driving
166Starting 
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components 
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Every time the vehicle is started again, the ignition key must be turned to 
position . The  repetitive start prevention lock  of the ignition prevents 
possible damage to the starter moto r if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
The ignition key must NOT be removed from the lock until the vehicle 
comes to a standstill. Otherwise, the steering could be immediately 
blocked- Risk of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle, 
even for a short period. This is especi ally important if children or disabled 
people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the 
engine or work electrical equipment su ch as the electric windows, conse-
quently resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could start the engine or any electrical 
system, such as the electric window. This could 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 deactivates 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 its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it  in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting ⇒ page 165 position.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter  motor must not run on with the engine.After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the 
accelerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
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Driving
168
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon mono xide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should av oid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the  engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter th e catalytic converter and damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the batte ry of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions  ⇒page 262, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching the engine off– Stop the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 165, fig. 138   .
After switching the engine off, the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 
minutes. It is also possible that the fan turns itself on once more if the coolant 
temperature increases due to the heat accumulated in the engine compart-
ment or due to its prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
WARNING
•
Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is completely stationary.
•
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. With the 
engine switched off, more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake 
operation cannot be performed, risk of accidents and serious injury may 
exist.
•
The steering lock can be immediately blocked once the key is removed 
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.Caution
If the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-
heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage. For this reason, you 
should idle the engine for approx. 2 m inutes before you switch it off.
A0
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Driving171
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
the full power of the engi
ne. This programme 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.
This programme may be accessed using the selector lever or from the 
steering wheel controls when this option is fitted  ⇒page 173.
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. – Press and release the brake pedal, at the same time press the 
button on the selector lever.
The lock is only activated when the vehicle is stopped or at a speed of less 
than 5 km/h. At higher speeds, the lock is automatically released in position 
N.
For rapid changes of position (e.g. from  R to D) the lever will not lock. If the 
lever remains in the position  N more than one second then it is locked. With 
the automatic lock, the lever is prevented passing from  P and  N to any other 
gear without first pressing the brake pedal.
The selector lever must be put in the position  P in order to remove the key.Driving with an automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox*
The drive and reverse gears are automatically engaged.
Fig. 143  Deactivating the 
lock
Fig. 144  Driving
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