lights Seat Altea XL 2010 User Guide

Cockpit
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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Cockpit
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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Cockpit83
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
•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 82, fig. 50 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 control 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 lights, 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 example, 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 disconnected, 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 dash panel displays the following message
14): 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 dash panel display
15): HANDBRAKE ON. Also, an audible
warning is given.
•If the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 240.
The dash panel displays the following message
15): STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•If there is a fault in the brake system.
The dash panel displays the following message
15): BRAKE SYSTEM FAULT
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
14)Depending on the version of the model.15)Depending on the version of the model.
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Cockpit
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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Cockpit
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 locking107
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
WARNING
•Always close the tailgate properly. Risk of accident or injury.•The tailgate must not be opened when the reverse or rear fog lights are
lit. This may damage the lighting units.•Do not close the tailgate by pushing it down with your hand on the rear
window. The glass could smash. Risk of injury!•Ensure the tailgate is locked after closing it. If not, it may open unex-
pectedly while driving.•If the tailgate is not fully closed, open it with the handle and close it
again correctly. Do not try to close it by pressing on the surface of the tail-
gate, as this may damage the surface.•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.•Closing the tailgate without observing and ensuring it is clear could
cause serious injur y to you and to third parties. Make sure that no one is in
the path of the tailgate.•Never drive with the tailgate open or half-closed, exhaust gases may
penetrate into the interior of the vehicle. Danger of poisoning!•If you only open the tailgate, do not leave the key inside. The vehicle
will not be opened if the key is left inside.
Emergency opening
This allows the vehicle to be opened if the central locking
does not operate (for exampl e, if the battery is flat)There is a groove in the boot allowing access to the emergency
opening mechanism.
Opening the tailgate from inside the luggage compartment
– Insert the key bit in the groove and unlock the locking system,
turning the key from right to left, as shown by the arrow
⇒fig. 68 .
Fig. 68 Tailgate: emer-
gency open
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Lights and visibility113
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Lights and visibilityLightsSwitching lights on and off

Switching on the side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒fig. 73 to position
.
Switching on dipped headlights
– Turn the light switch to position
.
Switching off the lights
– Turn the light switch to position 0. Switching on the fog lights*
– Pull the switch out of position
 or  to the first stop. The
symbol
 in the light switch lights up.
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with front fog lights)
– Pull the switch out of position
 or  to the second stop
⇒ . A warning lamp lights up in the dash panel.
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with no front fog lights)
– Pull the light switch from position
 to the last stop. A warning
lamp lights up in the dash panel.
WARNING
Never drive with just the side lights on. Risk of accident. The side lights are
not bright enough to illuminate the road ahead and to ensure that other
road users are able to see you. Always use your dipped headlights if it is
dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•The dipped beam headlights will only work with the ignition on. The side
lights come on automatically when the ignition is turned off.•If the lights are left on after the key has been taken out of the ignition lock,
a buzzer will sound while the driver door remains open. This is a reminder to
switch the lights off.
Fig. 73 Detailed view of
dash panel: lights, fog
light and rear fog light
control
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Lights and visibility
114•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 (ver y 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 seconds 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 127.
When the automatic dipped light control is connected but the dipped lights
are off, the warning lamp

lights up on the light control ⇒fig. 74 . 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. 74 Automatic
lighting
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