engine Seat Altea XL 2010 User Guide
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Page 80 of 312

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78
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in 
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and control lamps
Further 
information
Fuel level / reserve 
⇒ page 79 
Coolant level / coolant temperature 
⇒page 79
Rear fog light switched on
⇒page 80
 
Turn signals in operation
⇒page 80
Engine fault (petrol engine)
⇒page 80
Glow plug system for diesel engine
⇒page 80
Main beam switched on
⇒page 81
 
Pollen accumulation in the diesel 
engine particulate filter
⇒page 81
ABS system fault
⇒page 81
Windscreen washer fluid level
⇒page 82
Alternator fault
⇒page 82
Fasten seat belts!
⇒page 19
Tyre pressure 
⇒page 82
Airbag or belt tension device system 
fault or airbag disabled
⇒page 28 
⇒ page 31
A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13
Bulb defective
⇒page 83
Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system
⇒page 83
Engine oil pressure
⇒page 84
Cruise control system switched on
⇒page 84
Door open indicator
⇒page 84
Electromechanical steering
⇒page 84
Fault in the emission control system
⇒page 85
If flashing:  electronic stabilisation pro-
gramme (ESP) or the TCS is working or 
deactivated 
If it remains lit:  ESP malfunction or off
⇒page 85 
⇒ page 168
Automatic selector lever lock (auto-
matic gearbox)
⇒page 86
SAFE
Electronic immobiliser
⇒page 86
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and control lamps
Further 
information
A14A15A16A17A18A19A20A21A22
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Cockpit79
Safety First
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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Cockpit81
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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82wheels 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 236.
The following message is shown on the dash panel display*
12):  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 equipment 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 
13) 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 unbalanced 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.
12)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
13)Depending on the model version
Fig. 50  Centre console: 
tyre monitor system 
button
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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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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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86Differential 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 196, “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 driving, 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 193, 
“Brakes”
If the TCS button is activated, the TCS 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 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 dash panel displays the following message
18): SAFE . The vehicle cannot 
be used in that case  ⇒page 170.
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.18)Depending on the version of the model.
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Unlocking and locking95
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Unlocking and lockingCentral  lockingBasic functions
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock all 
doors with just pushing on the key button.Description
Central locking can be activated by using any of the following options:•the key, by inserting it into the driver's door cylinder and rotating it manu-
ally,•the central locking button  in the passenger compartment as an electronic 
control  ⇒page 98.•the radio frequency remote control , using the buttons on the key, 
⇒ page 102.
Various functions are available to improve the vehicle safety:
– Locking system “Safe”
– Selective unlocking system*
– Automatic speed-dependent locking and unlocking system*
– Self-locking system to prevent involuntary unlocking
– Emergency unlocking system
Unlocking the vehicle*
–Press button    ⇒page 102, fig. 64  on remote control to unlock all the 
doors and tailgate. Locking the vehicle*
– Press button   
⇒page 102, fig. 64  on the remote control to lock all 
doors and the tailgate or turn the key in the door to lock all doors and the 
tailgate.
WARNING
•Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their 
own.•Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. A locked vehicle 
can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures, depending on 
the time of year, thus causing serious injuries/illness. It could even have 
fatal consequences. Close and lock both the tailgate and all the other doors 
when you are not using the vehicle.•Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle. Misuse 
of the keys, for example, by children, may result in serious damage and 
accident.
−The engine may accidentally be started and be out of control.
− If the ignition is switched on, the electric equipment could be acti-
vated with risk of injury, for example, in the electric windows.
− The doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could 
make assistance difficult in an emergency situation.
− Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.•Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The 
steering lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer 
the vehicle.
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Unlocking and locking101
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
KeysSet of keys
The set of keys includes a remote control, a key without a 
remote control and a plastic key tab*.The set of keys belonging to your vehicle consists of the following items:•one remote control key ⇒fig. 63   with folding key bit,•a key without remote control  ,•a plastic key tab*  .
Duplicate keys
If you need a replacement key, take your key tab to an Authorised Service 
Centre.
WARNING
•An incorrect use of the keys can cause serious injuries.•Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their 
own.•An uncontrolled use of the key could start the engine or activate any 
electric equipment(e.g. electric windows), causing risk of accident. The 
doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could make assist-
ance difficult in an emergency.•Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. An unauthorised use of your 
vehicle could result in injury, damage or theft. Always take the key with you 
when you leave the vehicle.•Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. 
Otherwise, the steering could suddenly block and it would be impossible 
to steer the vehicle.Caution
There are electronic components in the remote control key. Avoid wetting and 
hitting the keys. 
Fig. 63  Set of keys
AA
AB
AC
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