tow Seat Altea XL 2011 Owner's Manual

Contents
4Trailer towing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instructions to follow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ball coupling of towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
. . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle exterior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If and when
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit (Tyre Mobility System)* . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Specifications
. . . . . . . . . .
Description of specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 PS) . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.2 77 kW (105 PS) . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 PS) . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.8 118 kW (160 PS) . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS)
with/without DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) with
Start&Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) DPF
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI PD 103 kW (140 PS) without
DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
211
211
212
212
213
215
215
216
222
224
224
224
225
225
226
226
228
231
232
233
236
240
242
245
247
250
250
258
258
260
267
269
273
282
285 289
289
289
291
291
293
293
294
295
296
298
299
300
302
303
304
306
307
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Safe driving17
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk
of accident.
Storing objectsLoading the luggage compartment
All luggage and other loose objects must be safely secured in
the luggage compartment.Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the
driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the
centre of gravity.
– Distribute the load evenly in the luggage compartment.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage compartment.
–Place the heavy objects first.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening rings*.
WARNING
•Loose luggage and other objects in the luggage compartment could
cause serious injuries.•Always stow objects in the luggag e compartment and secure them on
the fastening rings.•Use suitable straps to secure heavy objects.•During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown
forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This increased risk of
injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating
airbag. If this happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk of
fatal injury.•Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle’s handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style
accordingly, to avoid accidents.•Never exceed the allowed axle weights or allowed maximum weight. If
the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving
characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries
and damage to the vehicle.•Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment, closing the door
behind them; they will be trapped and run the risk of death.•Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. Close and lock all
the doors and tailgate when you leave the vehicle. Before you lock the
vehicle, make sure that there are no adults or children in the vehicle.•Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. All passen-
gers must have their seat belt fastened ⇒page 19.
WARNING (continued)
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Seat belts
24•Fasten your seat belt before every trip - even when driving in town. The
o t h e r pass e n ge rs m u s t al s o w ea r t h e s ea t b e l ts a t all t i m e s , o t h e r w is e t h e y
run the risk of being injured.•The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the seat belt is not posi-
tioned correctly.•Never allow two passengers (even children) to share the same seat belt.•Ke e p b o t h fe e t i n t h e fo o t w e ll i n f ro n t o f yo u r s ea t as l o n g as t h e ve h ic l e
is in motion.•Never unbuckle a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion. Risk of fatal
injury.•The seat belt must never be twisted while it is being worn.•The seat belt should never lie on hard or fragile objects (such as glasses
or pens, etc.) because this can cause injuries.•Do not allow the seat belt to be damaged or jammed, or to rub on any
sharp edges.•Never wear the seat belt under the arm or in any other incorrect posi-
tion.•Loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket) impairs the
proper fit and function of the belts, reducing their capacity to protect.•The slot in the seat belt buckle must not be blocked with paper or other
objects, as this can prevent the latch plate from engaging securely.•Never use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar instruments to alter
the position of the belt webbing.•Frayed or torn seat belts or damage to the connections, belt retractors
or parts of the buckle could cause severe injuries in the event of an acci-
dent. Therefore, you must check the condition of all seat belts at regular
intervals.•Seat belts which have been worn in an accident and stretched must be
replaced by a specialised workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if
there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.
•Do not attempt to repair a damaged seat belt yourself. The seat belts
must not be removed or modified in any way.•The belts must be kept clean, otherwise the retractors may not work
properly ⇒page 223.
Seat beltsSeat belt adjustment
The seat belts for the front and rear occupants are locked into
position by a latch.The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the seat belt is not
positioned correctly.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 12 Belt buckle and
latch plate of seat belt
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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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Unlocking and locking
100
Note•While the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked with the
remote control. This avoids the user from forgetting his key inside the vehicle.•If the driver door is unlocked with the key shaft, only the driver door is
unlocked, the rest of the doors remain locked. When the ignition is switched
on, the door deadlock function is deactivated (although the doors remain
locked) and the central locking button is activated. See ⇒page 109.•If the central locking or anti-theft alarm are faulty, the driver door warning
lamp remains lit for approx. 30 seconds after locking the vehicle.•For anti-theft security, only the driver door is fitted with a lock cylinder.Safety system “Safe*”
The Safe deadlock makes it more difficult to break into the
vehicle because the door release lever and the central locking
button are not active (depending upon country).Activating deadlock
–Press once the locking button on the remote control. or
–Turn the key once in the driver door lock to lock. A warning lamp
in the driver door flashes to indicate the Safe deadlock is
working. The warning lamp flashes for approx. two seconds at
short intervals and then more slowly. Deactivating deadlock when the vehicle is locked
– Press the locking button on the remote control
twice within
two seconds. The vehicle is locked without activating the dead-
lock. The driver door warning lamp flashes for approx. two
seconds and then goes out. After approx. 30 seconds it starts
flashing again.
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside if the Safe deadlock
has not been activated. You will have to pull the door release lever once.
When the Safe deadlock is off, the anti-theft alarm* ⇒page 109 remains
active. The vehicle interior monitoring system* and the anti-tow system are
deactivated*.
WARNING
Nobod y s hould remain in the vehicle if t he a nt i- tow s ystem d ead lock mech-
anism has been activated. It is not possible to open the doors from the
inside. Locked doors could make it more difficult to assist vehicle occu-
pants in the event of an accident. People could become trapped inside in an
emergency.Selective unlocking system*
This system allows unlocking either just the driver door or the
entire vehicle.Using the remote control, press the unlock button on the remote once. The
Safe system for all the vehicle is deactivated, only the driver door is unlocked
and both the alarm and the warning lamp are also turned off.



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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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Lights and visibility
124
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒.
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear, and for an automatic move the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for example
when:•reaching the tail end of a traffic jam,•there is an emergency•your vehicle breaks down due to a technical fault,•you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. That is that the two turn signal turn signal lamps

and the
turn signal lamp in the switch
 will flash at the same time. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
Emergency braking warning
If the vehicle is braked suddenly and continuously at a speed of more than 80
km/h, the brake light flashes several times per second to warn vehicles
driving behind. If you continue braking, the hazard warning lights will come
on automatically when the vehicle comes to a standstill. They switch off auto-
matically when the vehicle starts to move again.
WARNING
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!Note
•The batter y will run down if the hazard warn ing lights are left on for a long
time, even if the ignition is switched off.•The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
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Lights and visibility125
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒fig. 78 to indicate right, and
all the way down to indicate left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding indicator lamp will also flash. Switching main beam on and off
– If the dipped lights are on, push the lever forward
⇒fig. 78
to switch on the main beam.
– Push the lever towards the steering wheel ⇒ fig. 78 to switch
off the main beam.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn the right or left-hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headligh t flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
• The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp
 or
flashes in the instrument panel. The warning
lamp
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is
correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is defec-
tive, the warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal bulbs
are damaged, warning lamp
 does not light up. Change the bulb.
Fig. 78 Turn signal and
main beam headlight
lever
A1
A2A1
A2
A3
A4
A4
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Lights and visibility129
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
light turns off about 20 seconds after closing the doors. The interior lights are
switched off when the vehicle is locked or when the ignition is switched on.
Interior lights or both reading lights switched on

Turn the control to position .
Note
If not all the vehicle doors are closed, the interior lights will be switched off
after approx. 10 minutes, providing the key has been removed and the cour-
tesy light position selected. This prevents the battery from discharging.VisibilitySun visors
The sun visors for the driver and the front passenger can be pulled out of their
mountings in the centre of the vehicle and turned towards the doors
⇒fig. 84
The vanity mirrors in the sun visors have covers. When you open the cover ,
a lamp in the roof lights up.
The light* in the roof lining will go out when the vanity mirror cover is pushed
back or the sun visor is pushed back up.
Note
The roof lamp will turn off about 10 minutes following the removal of the igni-
tion key. This prevents the battery from discharging.Sun blind*
The windows on the rear doors are fitted with a sun blind
A5
Fig. 84 Sun visor on the
driver side
A1
A2
Fig. 85 Rear door sun
visor
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Lights and visibility
130
Rear door sun blind*
– Pull out the visor and hook it onto the hooks at the top of the door frame ⇒page 129, fig. 85 .Windscreen wipersWindscreen wipers
U
The windscreen wiper lever controls the windscreen wipers
and the automatic wash and wipe.
The windscreen wiper lever ⇒fig. 86 has the following positions:
Switching off the wipers
– Move the lever to position . Interval wipe
– Move the lever up to position .
– Move the control to the left or right to set the length of the
intervals. Control to the left: long intervals; control to the right:
short intervals. Four wiper interval stages can be set using switch .
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position .
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position .
Short wipe
– Move the lever down to position to give the windscreen a short wipe. The wiper will start to move faster if you keep the
lever pressed down for longer than two seconds.
Wash and wipe automatic system
W
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel - Position . The wash function will start immediately and the wipers will start with a
slight delay. The wash and wipe r systems will function at the
same time at speeds of over 120 km/h.
– Release the lever. The wipers wi ll keep running for approximately
four seconds.Heated windscreen in the wiper blade area*
In some countries and with some versions, there is the possibility of heating
the windscreen in the area of the windscreen wiper blades in order to aid de-
icing in the zone. The function is switched on by pressing the heated rear
window key
=.
Fig. 86 Windscreen wiper
and windscreen wash
lever
A0
A1
AA
AA
A2A3A4
A5
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