warning light Seat Altea XL 2009 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SEAT, Model Year: 2009, Model line: Altea XL, Model: Seat Altea XL 2009Pages: 297, PDF Size: 9.36 MB
Page 77 of 297

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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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Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Main beam headlights 
This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.The warning lamp 
 is switched on once main beams are on or once the 
headlight flasher is operating.
Further information  ⇒page 116.
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter 
If the indicator lights 
 you may help the filter clear itself by driving in the 
appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in 4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: S 
gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h, with the engine running at approximately 
2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen buil d up in the filter is burned. When 
cleaning is successful, the indicator turns off.
If the indicator 
 is not deactivated, bring the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to repair the fault.
WARNING
•
Always drive according to the road  weather conditions, the terrain and 
traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal manoeuvres 
in surrounding traffic.
•
The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 
 
A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp 
 should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It goes out again after th e system has run through an automatic 
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
The warning lamp 
 does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•
The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control 
function will not function). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as 
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the  ⇒page 183.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp 
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp 
, this indicates not only a fault in the  ABS function, but also a possible fault 
in the brake system  ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on 
⇒ page 213, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp 
 should light up together with the ABS 
warning lamp 
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir  ⇒page 226, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has 
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident. 
Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have 
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear 
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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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Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or after changing one or more 
wheels, the button  ⇒page 78, fig. 49  must be kept pressed while the igni-
tion is on until an acoustic signal is heard and the warning lamp goes out.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or 
heavy load), the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended value 
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor 
system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator 
 lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is much lower than the value set by 
the driver, then the tyre co ntrol warning lamp lights up  ⇒.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator  flashes
If the tyre pressure indicator flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the nearest 
specialist workshop.
WARNING
•
When the tyre pressure indicator l ights, reduce speed immediately and 
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible, and check 
the tyre pressure and status.
•
The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre 
pressure must be regularly checked.
•
Under certain circumstances (for exam ple, in a sports situation, in 
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or 
function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconne cted, the yellow indicator 
 lights up after turning 
the ignition on. This should  turn off after a brief journey.
Bulb defect 
The warning lamp lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exte-
rior lighting is defective.The warning lamp 
 lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exterior lighting 
(e.g. left-hand main beam) is defective.
The instrument panel disp lays the following message
13): LEFT FULL BEAM 
FAULTY .
Brake system* / handbrake 
 
The warning lamp lights up if the handbrake is applied, if the 
brake fluid level falls too low or if there is a fault in the brake 
system.
This warning lamp 
 lights up if
•
If the handbrake is on.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following message 
will appear on the instrument panel display 
14): HANDBRAKE ON.  Also, an 
audible warning is given.
•
If the brake fluid level is too low  ⇒page 226.
The instrument panel disp lays the following message
14): STOP BRAKE FLUID 
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•
If there is a fault in the brake system.
The instrument panel disp lays the following message
14): BRAKE SYSTEM 
FAULT INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
13)Depending on the version of the model.14)Depending on the version of the model.
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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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Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
assistance. The power steering does not work if the battery is flat or if the 
engine is off (for example, for towing). You should take into account that you 
will need considerably more power than
 normal to steer the vehicle if the 
steering assistance is reduced or has failed completely.
For those vehicles fitted with ESP* the function “Recommended steering 
manoeuvre” is included. See  ⇒page 185.
Emission control system* 
 
This warning lamp monito rs the exhaust system.
Warning lamp 
 flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce 
speed and drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop to have the 
engine checked.
The instrument panel displa ys the following message
16): EXHAUST GAS SEE 
WORKSHOP
Warning lamp 
 is lit:
If a fault has developed during drivi ng which has reduced the quality of the 
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to 
the nearest qualified workshop to have the engine checked.
The following information text displaye d in the instrument panel display : 
EXHAUST GAS SEE WORKSHOP .
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation 
programme.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and TCS. This also includes the brake 
assist system (BAS), automatic cleaning of the brake discs and the trailer 
stability programme (TSP).
The warning lamp 
 has the following functions:
•
It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a 
test of the function is carried out.
•
It flashes when the ESP is activated when driving.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP 
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp 
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started, 
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP. 
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then 
on again. If the warning lamp goes out,  this means the system is fully func-
tional.
If the ESP button is activated, the TCS function deactivates and the warning 
lamp flashes.
16)Depending on the version of the model.
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82Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an 
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp 
. Please 
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL  ⇒page 186, “Electronic differential lock (EDL)*”.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from 
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThe warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should turn 
out after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while drivi ng, the warning lamp flashes. If the 
system is deactivated or if there is any fault in the same, the warning lamp will 
remain lit.
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the TCS oper-
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information, see  ⇒page 183, 
“Brakes”.
If the TCS button is activated, the TC S function deactivates and the warning 
lamp remains lit.
By pressing again, TCS function is reactivated and the warning lamp switched 
off.
Operating the foot brake 
The footbrake must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is 
necessary when the automatic gearbox*  selector lever is moved out of the 
positions  P or  N.Electronic immobiliser* “Safe”
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.Inside the key there is a chip that deac tivates 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 instrument panel displays the following message
17):  SAFE . The vehicle 
cannot be used in that case  ⇒page 166.
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine 
key is used.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.17)Depending on the version of the model.
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Unlocking and locking
92
Note•
While the driver's door is open, the vehicle can not be locked with the 
remote control. This avoids the user from forgetting his key inside the vehicle.
•
If the driver's door is unlocked with the key shaft, only the driver's door is 
unlocked, the rest of the doors remain  locked. When the ignition is switched 
on, the door "safe" deadlock is deactivated (although the doors remain 
locked) and the central locking button is activated. See  ⇒page 100.
•
If the central locking or anti-theft  alarm are faulty, the driver's door 
warning lamp remains lit for approx.  30 seconds after locking the vehicle.
•
For anti-theft security, only the driver's door is fitted with a lock cylinder.
Safety system “Safe*”
The "safe" deadlock makes it more difficult to break into the 
vehicle because the door release lever and the central locking 
button are not active (depending upon country).Activating deadlock
– Press once the locking button   on the remote control  or
–Turn the key once  i n  t h e  d r i v e r ' s  d o o r  l o ck  t o  l o ck .  A  wa r n i n g  la m p  
in the driver door flashes to indicate the "safe" deadlock is 
working. The warning lamp flashes for approx. two seconds at 
short intervals and then more slowly. Deactivating deadlock when the vehicle is locked
–Press 
twice the locking button   on the remote control within 
two seconds. The vehicle is locked without activating the dead-
lock. The driver's door warning lamp flashes for approx. two 
seconds and then goes out. After approx. 30 seconds it starts 
flashing again.
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside if the "safe" deadlock 
has not been activated. You will have to pull the door release lever once. 
When the "safe" deadlock is off, the antitheft alarm*  ⇒page 100 remains 
active. The vehicle interior monitoring system* and the anti-tow system are 
deactivated*.
WARNING
Nobody should remain in the vehicle  if the anti-tow system deadlock mech-
anism has been activated. It is not possible to open the doors from the 
inside. Locked doors could make it mo re difficult to assist vehicle occu-
pants in the event of an accident. People could become trapped inside in an 
emergency.Selective unlocking system* 
This system allows to unlock either just the driver's door or all 
the vehicle.Using the remote control, press the unlock button on the remote   once. The 
“Safe” system for all the vehicle is deactivated, only the driver's door is 
unlocked and both the alarm and the light indicator are also turned off.
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Unlocking and locking93
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Unlocking all doors and the boot
The unlock button on the remote must be pressed twice   so that all doors 
and the boot can be opened.
Press twice within 2 seconds to deactivate the “Safe” system for all vehicle, 
to unlock all doors and to use the boot. The indicator and the alarm (only vehi-
cles fitted with one) are turned off.
Automatic speed dependent locking and unlocking system*
This is a safety system which prevent the access to the vehicle 
from the outside when it is running (for example, when 
stopped at a traffic light).Locking
The doors and the boot are automatically locked when vehicle speed exceeds 
15 km/h.
If the vehicle is stopped and one of the doors is opened, when the vehicle 
moves off again and exceeds a speed of 15 km/h, the unlocked door(s) will 
be locked once more.
Unlocking
The driver's door automatically unlocks when the key is removed from the 
ignition.
Each door can be unlocked and opened
 independently from the inside (for 
example, when a passenger gets out of it). To do it, simply operate the lever 
inside the door.
WARNING
The door handles must no t be operated when the vehicle is running: the 
door would open.
Locking system for involuntary unlocking*
It is an anti-theft system and prevents the unintentional 
unlocking of the vehicle.If the vehicle is unlocked and any of the doors (including the tailgate) are 
opened within 30 seconds, it gets re-locked automatically. This function 
prevents the vehicle from remaining unlocked if the unlock button is pressed 
by mistake.Emergency unlocking systemIf the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle gets unlocked, 
except for the boot. It is possible to lock the vehicle from inside with the 
central locking, after  turning the ignition of f and back on again.
If the doors must be locked from th e outside, see “Emergency locking of the 
doors”.
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Unlocking and locking
94Central locking button
The central locking button allows you to lock and unlock the 
vehicle from the inside.Locking the vehicle
– Press the button    ⇒.
Unlocking the doors
– Press button  .The central locking button is still operative when the ignition is switched off. 
Except when the "safe" security system is activated.
Please note the following if you lock  your vehicle with the central locking 
button:•
Safety reasons make not be possible to open the doors or the tailgate 
from the  outside (for instance, when stopped at a traffic light).
•
The driver or front passenger door cannot be locked if any of the vehicle 
doors (except the tailgate) are open. This avoids the user from forgetting his 
key inside the vehicle.
•
Repeated operation of the central locking will deactivate the central 
locking button for 30 seconds. Once this  time has passed, the button may be 
used once more.
•
There is a danger of leaving the key inside the vehicle if the vehicle is 
locked by the central locking button whe n the driver's door is closed and any 
of the rear doors open. On closing any of the rear doors, the vehicle locks and 
the keys remain inside it.
•
All doors can be locked separately from inside the car. Do this by pulling 
the door release lever  once.
WARNING
•
If the vehicle is locked, children and disabled people may be trapped 
inside it.
•
The central locking button is not operative in the following cases:
•
When the vehicle is locked from the outside (by the remote or the key).
•
While the ignition is not activated afte r unlocking the door lock cylinder 
with the key.Note
•
Vehicle locked, amber button  .
•
Vehicle unlocked, red button  .
Unlocking and locking - Manual personalisation Activating selective unlocking
With the driver's door open, turn the key to unlock for approx. 3 s.
Fig. 58  Detail of the 
centre console: central 
locking system button
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