lights Seat Altea XL 2011 User Guide

Cockpit83
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
First 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 technical reasons, move it to a safe
distance from traffic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights on and
place the warning triangle.•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.•The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before carrying out any
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to cool
down. Always note the corresponding warnings ⇒page 233.
Rear fog light


This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on

. For
further information see ⇒page 118.
Turn signals

The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are in oper-
ation.Depending on which turn signal is operating, either the left
 or right

turn
signal lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash at the same time when
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both turn signals fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice
faster than normal. For further information on the turn signals, please see
⇒page 125.
Engine management*
%0#

This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp
%0# (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
D
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp
D is lit
The warning lamp D lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp
D flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug lamp will flash
D. Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
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Cockpit
84Main beam headlights

The indicator 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.
For further information see ⇒page 125.
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter

If the warning lamp
 lights up you should help the filter clean itself by
driving in the appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth or fifth gear (automatic gearbox:
S gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h, with the engine running at approxi-
mately 2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is burned. When
cleaning is successful, the indicator turns off.
If the warning lamp  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (partic-
ulate filter
, emission control system fault
 and glow plugs
D), take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop 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. Otherwise there is a risk of fire.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)*
J
A warning lamp monitors the ABS.
The indicator lamp
Jshould 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
J 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, without the ABS function.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further
information on the ABS go to ⇒page 197.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
J lights up together with the brake warning lamp
H, 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 233, “Working in the engine compartment”.•If the brake warning lamp
H should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
J, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 245, “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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Cockpit85
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
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.
Washer fluid
Y
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 242
The following message is shown on the instrument panel display*
14): REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID .
Alternator
F
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp
F lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go
out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp F lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest specialised
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessary
because this will drain the battery.
Worn brake pads
I
If the
I symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for safety reasons,
the rear pads as well) inspected by a specialised workshop.
Tyre pressure
~
The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.The tyre warning lamp
15) compares wheel revolutions and with this informa-
tion, the diameter of each wheel using the ESP sensors. If the diameter of a
wheel changes, the tyre warning lamp ~ lights up. The wheel diameter
changes when:
•Tyre pressure is insufficient.
14)Depending on the model version.WARNING (continued)
15)Depending on the model version
Fig. 52 Centre console:
tyre monitor system
button
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Cockpit
86•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 temporary spare wheel is fitted.•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 85, fig. 52 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 tyre 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 m onitor
system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure warning lamp
~ lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is much lower than the value set by
the driver, the tyre control warning lamp lights up ⇒ .
The tyre pressure warning lamp ~ flashes
If the tyre pressure warning lamp flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the
nearest specialised workshop.
WARNING
•When the tyre pressure warning lamp lights up, reduce speed immedi-
ately and avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible,
and check the tyre pressure and status.•The driver is responsible for maintaining correct tyre pressures. For this
reason, tyre pressure must be regularly checked.
•Under certain circumstances (for example, when driving in a sportslike
manner, in winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre warning lamp may
light up or function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow warning lamp
~ 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 displays the following message
16): LEFT FULL BEAM
FAULTY .
Brake system* / handbrake
H
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
H lights up if
•the handbrake is on.16)Depending on the model version.WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit87
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following message
will appear on the instrument panel display
17):
HANDBRAKE ON. Yo u w i l l a l s o
hear an acoustic warning signal.
•the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 245.
The instrument panel displays the following message
17): STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•there is a fault in the brake system.
The instrument panel displays the following message
17): BRAKE SYSTEM
FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
This warning lamp can light up together with the ABS system warning lamp.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 233.•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level ⇒page 245, “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
H lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp
J, 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
E
If this warning lamp is red it indicates that the engine oil pres-
sure 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 necessary, add more
oil ⇒page 236.
The instrument panel displays the following message
18): STOP ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE INSTRUCTION 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.
Checking the oil level
E
If the warning lamp is yellow
E the engine oil level should be checked as
soon as possible. Top up the oil ⇒page 238 at the next opportunity.
Oil level sensor faulty*
E
If the
E yellow warning lamp flashes, take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to check
the oil level every time you refuel.
Cruise control system*

The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system
is switched on.The warning lamp
 lights up when the cruise control system is switched on.
For further information on the cruise control system, see ⇒page 193.
17)Depending on the model version.
18)Depending on the model version.
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Cockpit
88Indicator for open doors or tailgate*
o
This warning lamp lights up if one of the doors or the tailgate
is open.The warning light
o 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.
Electromechanical steering*

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 warning lamp may
appear in two different colours to indicate faults. If it lights yellow, this indi-
cates a minor fault. If it lights red, seek workshop assistance immediately, as
the steering assistance is not working; in this case you should not keep
driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 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 power steering is not working
correctly or at all.
For those vehicles fitted with ESP* the function “Recommended steering
manoeuvre” is included. See ⇒page 199.
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 specialised workshop to have the
engine checked.
The instrument panel displays the following message
19): 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 specialised workshop to have the engine checked.
The following message is shown in the instrument panel display: EXHAUST
GAS SEE WORKSHOP .
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
/ l
There are two warning lamps for the electronic stability
programme. The
 lamp provides information concerning
the function and the l provides information on the discon-
nection status
B ot h lam ps com e on to ge the r whe n th e ig nit io n is s wi tche d o n an d s ho uld go
out after approx. 2 seconds, which is how long the function check lasts.19)Depending on the model version.
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Cockpit89
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
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 flashes when the TCS/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.
The
l lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
•It stays lit when the TCS is disconnected after pressing the
l switch.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp
J. Take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further informa-
tion on the EDL see ⇒page 200, “Electronic differential lock (EDL)*”.
Traction control system (TCS)*
/l
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThere are two warning lamps for the traction control system:
 and
l. Both
lamps come on together when the ignition is switched on and should go out
after approx. 2 seconds, which is how long the function check lasts.
The
 lamp has the following function:
•It flashes when the TCS is on, and the vehicle is moving.
If the system is deactivated or if it has any fault, the warning lamp will remain
l it . It will als o co m e on if a fa ult s ho uld o ccur in t he A B S b e caus e the TCS op er -
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information, see ⇒page 197,
“Brakes”
The l lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
•It stays lit when the TCS is disconnected after pressing the TCS OFF switch.
By pressing again, TCS function is reactivated and the warning lamp switched
off.Operating the foot brake
K
The brake pedal 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.
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Unlocking and locking
112
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 tail lights•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 injury 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 example, if the battery is flat)There is a groove in the luggage compartment allowing access to the
emergency opening mechanism.
Opening the tailgate from inside the luggage compartment
– Insert the key 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 visibility
118Lights and visibilityLightsSwitching lights on and off
“
Switching on the side lights
–Turn the light switch ⇒ fig. 73 to position
.
Switching on dipped beam 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 instrument 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 instrument 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 beam 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,
an acoustic warning will sound while the driver door remains open. This is a
reminder to switch the lights off.
Fig. 73 Detailed view of
the dash panel: lights, fog
lights and rear fog light
switch
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Lights and visibility119
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•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 vehicle will automati-
cally 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 tail
lights and the turn signals may be temporarily misted. This has no influence
on the useful life 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 beam headlights are
automatically switched on by a photosensor if you drive into a tunnel, for
example.
The rain sensor switches on the dipped beam headlights when the wind-
screen 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 132.
When the automatic dipped light control is connected but the dipped lights
are off, the warning lamp
!54/
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
•Even if the automatic headlight control is switched on, the dipped
headlights will not be switched on with fog. 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.
•If the daylight driving automatic light function is switched on, the fog
lights or rear fog light cannot be switched on in addition.•The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements.
Fig. 74 Automatic
lighting
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