trailer Seat Altea XL 2009 Owner's Manual

Contents
4Trailer towing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instructions to follow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ball coupling of towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
. . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle exterior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile telephones and radiotelephones . . . . .
Checking and refilling levels
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If and when
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . . . . . .
Wheel change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit (Tyre-Mobility-System)* . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes on the technical data
. . . . . . .
Outstanding information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Techn ical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 bhp) . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 bhp) . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 bhp) . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.8 litre 118 kW (160 hp). Manual
Petrol engine 1.8 litre 118 kW (160 hp).
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9 TDI 77 kW (105 bhp). . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0l 103 kW (140 bhp). . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0l 125 kW (170 bhp) . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
195
195
196
196
197
199
199
200
206
208
208
208
209
209
210
210
211
212
213
216
220
222
226
227
230
230
238
238
240
247
249
253
262
265 269
269
269
271
272
273
273
274
275
276
278
279
280
282
283
285
287
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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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Cockpit79
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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Cockpit81
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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Lights and visibility
110•
The rear fog light is so bright that it can dazzle drivers behind you. You
should use the rear fog light only when visibility is very poor.
•
If you are towing a trailer equipped with a rear fog light on a vehicle with
a factory-fitted towing bracket, the rear fog light on the car will automatically
be switched off.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements.
•
Depending on weather conditions (very cold or wet), the front and rear
lights and the indicators may be temporarily misted. This has no influence on
the life expectancy of the lighting system . The lights will soon demist when
they are switched on.
Automatic lighting*Activation
– Rotate the switch to the position “Auto”, this indication will light up. Deactivation
– Turn the light switch to 0.
Automatic lighting
If automatic headlight control is switched on, dipped headlights are automat-
ically switched on by a light-sensitive sensor if you drive into a tunnel, for
example.
The motorway function switches on the dipped headlights when the vehicle
is driven at over 140 km/h for a few sec
onds and it switches the lights off
when the vehicle is driven at less than 65 km/h for a few minutes.
The rain sensor switches on the dipped headlights when the windscreen
wipers have been operating continuously for a few seconds and it switches
the lights off when the continuous or intermittent wipe is switched off for
some minutes ⇒page 123.
When the automatic dipped light control is connected but the dipped lights
are off, the warning lamp

lights up on the light control ⇒fig. 73 . If the
automatic control switches on the dipped lights, the instrument and control
lighting is also switched on.
WARNING
•
If automatic headlight control is switched on, the headlights will not be
switched on in fog or heavy rain. Therefore, the dipped beam must be
switched on manually.Note
•
For those vehicles with the automatic headlight system, when the key is
removed from the ignition, the acoustic signal will only sound if the light
control is in the position
 or  if the vehicle is not fitted with the coming
home function.
Fig. 73 Automatic
lighting
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Lights and visibility
116Indicator and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒page 116, fig. 77 to indicate
right , and all the way down to indicate left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash. Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position

.
–Press the lever forward ⇒ page 116, fig. 77 to switch on the
main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head- lights off again.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn the right or left-hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other driver s. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headligh t flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
•
The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp
 or  flashes in the instrume nt panel. The warning
lamp
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is
correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is defec-
tive, the warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal bulbs
are damaged, warning lamp
 does not light up. Change the bulb.
Fig. 77 Indicator and
main beam headlight
lever
A1
A2
A1
A2
A3
A4
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Driving165
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
when driving in deep sn ow or on loose surfaces,
•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.
When does the warning light switch on or flash?
•
On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry
out a function control.
•
The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the ESP
or the TCS is activated. The warning lamp will light up slowly if the TCS is
switched off.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) 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. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 183,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock
In this position ⇒ fig. 138 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the
steering may be 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
steering wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle
theft ⇒ .
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the key cannot be turned
or it is difficult to turn from position to position , move the steering
wheel back and forth until it loosens up.

Fig. 138 Ignition key
positions
A0
A1
A0
A12
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Driving177
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Seat Parking System: Description
The parking system is an acoustic parking aid.Sensors are located in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect an obstacle,
you are alerted by acoustic signals (beeps). The measuring range of the
sensors starts at about:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the
obstacle, the warning tone will sound continuously. Do not drive on!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about 4
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected
obstacle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal).
The parking aid is switched on automatically when reverse gear is engaged.
You will hear a brief acknowledgement tone.
WARNING
•
The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver is
personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered.
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.
•
Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and make full
use of the rear-view mirrors.
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 painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be detected by the
system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 179.Seat Parking system plus*: Description
The parking system plus is an acoustic and optical parking
aid.Sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers. When the sensors detect
an obstacle, you are alerted by acoustic and optical signals. The measuring
range of the sensors starts at about:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the
obstacle, the warning tone will soun d continuously. Stop moving immedi-
ately!
Rear
Side
0,60
Centre
1,60
Front
Side
0,90
Centre
1,20
Rear
Side
0,60
Centre
1,60
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Driving
178The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about 4
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected
obstacle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal).Enabling/DisablingEnabling
– Connects the radionavigator.
– Press the switch

on the central console ⇒fig. 148 or on the
gear selector gate. You will hear a brief acknowledgement tone
and the LED on the switch will light up.
Disabling
– Drive forwards faster than 10 km/h or
– Press the switch

or – Switch the ignition off.
Segments in the optical display
Some colour segments in front and behind and an acoustic signal enable the
driver to assess the distance with respect to an obstacle. The ambar colour
segments combined with a discontinuous beep indicate the presence of an
obstacle. As the vehicle gets closer to
the obstacle, the colour of the segment
changes to red and the acoustic signal beeps continuously. When the penul-
timate segment is displayed, this means that the vehicle has reached the
collision zone. Stop moving immediately! ⇒
WARNING
•
The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver is
personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered.
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.
•
Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and make full
use of the rear-view mirrors.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 obstacles (such as wire fences, chains,
thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be detected by the
system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 179.
•
There is a slight delay in the picture display.
Fig. 148 Centre console:
Switch for parking aid
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Intelligent technology185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
With compact temporary spare wheel.
•
When using the snow chains.
•
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
•
When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that TCS cann ot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particular ly 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. Do not let the extra safety afforded by TCS tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wh eels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
XDS*
Driveshaft differentialWhen taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel
which is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque provided to the inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the
outer wheel receives a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This causes
an overall loss of lateral grip on the front shaft, resulting in understeering or
“lengthening” of the path.
The XDS system is able, using the ESP sensors and signals, to detect and
correct this effect.
The XDS, via the ESP, brakes the inner wheel thus counteracting the excess
drive torque in this wheel. This means that the path requested by the driver
is more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active,
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the
vehicle's stability on the road.The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the danger of skid-
ding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of
ABS, EDL, TCS and
Steering manoeuvre recommendations.
Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehi cle. If the desired course is not being
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