check engine Seat Altea XL 2010 Owner's Manual
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Page 6 of 312

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, replacement of parts and 
modifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical modifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Roof aerial*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mobile telephones and radiotelephones  . . . . . 
Checking and refilling levels
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes on the technical data
 . . . . . . . 
Outstanding information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Data on fuel consumption  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Te chni cal 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 1.8 118 kW (160 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.9 l TDI 66 kW (90 bhp) . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.9 l TDI 77 kW (105 bhp) . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.9 TDI 77 kW (105 bhp). Four-
wheel drive  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 l 103 kW (140 bhp) . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0l 125 kW (170 bhp)  . . . . . . . . 
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
205
205
206
206
207
209
209
210
216
218
218
218
219
219
220
220
222
225
226
227
230
234
236
240
241
244
244
252
252
254
261
263
267
276
279 283
283
283
285
286
287
287
288
289
290
291
293
294
295
297
298
300
301
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Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Stop the car and switch off the engine.
 Check the coolant level ⇒page 234 
⇒ .
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 227.
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 57, 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 200 should 
be followed.Setting the digital clock* 
The digital clock is located in the dash panel display.– Turn the setting knob  ⇒page 57, 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.
A4
A5
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66The speed may be altered using the rocker switch   in steps of 5 km/h 
within 5 seconds of the initial memory value.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake symbol” 
is not shown. You should, for this reason, not rely exclusively on this 
display - Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual ambient temperature as 
a result of the heat radiated from the engine.Warning or information text in the display
Faults are shown in the display with warning lamps and 
warning/information reports.The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the igni-
tion is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Functional faults are indi-
cated by symbols with warnings and information texts in the display. An 
audible warning is given in certain cases.
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning symbols 
(priority 2).
Information text
In addition to warning messages given on a fault, you will receive information 
in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
Note
In the case of screens without warning or information texts, faults are indi-
cated exclusively by the warning lamps.Warning reports, Priority 1 (red)If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will 
be accompanied by  three audible warnings . This is a danger warning. Stop 
the car and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain profes-
sional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be 
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will continue 
until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warning 
report.
Examples of priority 1 warning reports (red)•Brake system symbol 
 with the warning text  STOP BRAKE FLUID 
SERVICE MANUAL  or STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL . 
•Coolant symbol 
 with the warning text STOP SEE COOLANT SERVICE 
MANUAL . 
•Engine oil pressure symbol 
 with the warning text STOP ENGINE OIL 
PRESSURE LOW! SERVICE MANUAL . 
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow)If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied 
by one audible warning . The function should be checked as soon as possible.
AB
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Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a 
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to 
prevent danger to thirds.•The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before you open the 
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must 
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or 
other kind of injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings 
⇒ page 227.Note
•The appropriate warning lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without 
warning or information texts in the display.•In vehicles with warning or information texts on the screen, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information text 
will also appear on the screen.Fuel level / reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank under the 
reserve level.It lights up when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. Also, an  audible 
warning  is given. This serves as a reminder to fill up with fuel at the earliest 
opportunity ⇒ page 220.
The dash panel displays shows the following message
9):  PLEASE REFUEL! .
Coolant Level* / temperature 
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too 
high or if the coolant level is too low.There is a fault if:•The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.•The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while 
three acoustic warning signals  ⇒  are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature 
is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
The dash panel displays the following message
10):  CHECK COOLANT 
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL  ⇒ page 234.
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too 
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial.  Stop the vehicle, 
switch the engine off and wait for it to cool down.  Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction 
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary  ⇒page 263.
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance,  stop 
the vehicle and switch the engine off . Contact an Authorised Service Centre 
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
The dash panel displays the following message11):  STOP CHECK COOLANT 
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
9)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
10)Depending on the version of the model.11)Depending on the version of the model.
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80First 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. Tur n the e ngin e off, turn t he hazard l ights  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 danger ous area! Before carrying out any 
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to cool 
down. Always note the corresponding warnings  ⇒page 227.
Rear fog light 
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on 
. Further 
information ⇒ page 113.
Turn signals 
 
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 120.
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
Technical Data
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 120.
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 build 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 the 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 193.
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 227, “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 240, “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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84This 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 227.•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when 
driving, the brake fluid level  ⇒page 240, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is 
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle 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 230.
The dash panel displays the following message
16):  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 
 l i g h t s  u p  w h e n  t h e  c r u i s e  co n t r o l  s y s te m  is  s wi tch e d  o n .  
Further notes on the cruise control system ⇒ page 188.
Indicator for open doors or tailgate* 
This indicator lights if one of the 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 light 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 off 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 
16)Depending on the version of the model.
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Cockpit85
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 195.
Emission control system* 
 
This warning lamp monitors 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 dash panel displays the following message
17):  EXHAUST GAS SEE 
WORKSHOP.
Warning lamp 
 is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving 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 displayed in the dash 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.
17)Depending on the version of the model.
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning159
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
– Use the air distribution control to guide the flow of air in the 
required direction:   (to the windscreen),   (to the upper 
body),   (to the foot well) and   (to the windscreen and to the 
foot well).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:
•The engine may not be 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 conditioning fuse is faulty.•Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioning checked by a qual-
ified workshop.
Air recirculation mode   
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells from coming from the outside.
Fig. 131  On the dash panel: Climatic controls
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
166Air 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   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 conditioning fuse is faulty.•Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioning checked by a qual-
ified workshop.Caution
•If you suspect that the air conditioning is damaged, switch it off with the   button to prevent further damage and have it checked by a qualified 
workshop.•Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and 
special tools. Therefore, we recommend you to take the vehicle to a qualified 
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 puddle 
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 passenger compartment and is 
extracted by slots designed for this purpose. Therefore, do not cover these 
slots with items of clothing or other objects.•The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows 
and the sliding/tilting roof* closed. However, if the vehicle has been over-
heated by sun, the air inside can be cooled quicklier by opening the windows 
for a short time.•Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the 
air conditioning system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a 
permanent unpleasant odour.•It is advisable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to 
lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling 
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to 
check the system.
AC
AC
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