trailer 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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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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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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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 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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Driving
174•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,•when the vehicle is stuck, to rock it backwards and forwards.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.WARNING
•The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) cannot defy the laws of
physics. This should be kept in mi nd, particularly on slippery and wet
roads and when towing a trailer.•Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, as this can cause accidents.•Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 197,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock
In this position ⇒fig. 139 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the
steering may get locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the
steering wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle
theft ⇒ .
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the key cannot be turned
or it is difficult to turn from position to position , move the steering
wheel back and forth until it loosens up.
Fig. 139 Ignition key
positions
A0
A1
A0
A1
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Driving179
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Manual switch from LPG to petrol
Press the button on the centre console
⇒page 178, fig. 140 to change
mode. The green lamp on the instrument panel goes out and the notification
changed to petrol mode is displayed.
Running on petrol
Run the engine with petrol for short journeys at regular intervals to avoid
problems in the petrol system.
WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable substance. It may cause severe
burns and other injury.•Due care must be taken to avoid any risk of fire or explosion.•When parking the vehicle in a closed area (for example in a garage),
make sure that there is adequate ventilation, either natural or mechanical,
to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.Note
•If frequent short journeys are made, especially when the outside temper-
ature is low, the vehicle will tend to run on petrol more often than on LPG.
Therefore, the petrol tank may empty before the LPG tank.•The notification LPG mode not possible may be displayed.Start-Stop function*Description and operationThe Start-Stop function stops the engine when the vehicle is
stopped and starts it automatically when required. – When the vehicle is stopped, put it in neutral and release the
clutch pedal. The engine will stop.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed, the engine starts again.
– The instrument panel screen displays information about the status of the Start-Stop function ⇒page 181, fig. 142 .
Start-Stop function conditions•The driver seat belt must be buckled.•The engine hood must be closed.•The engine must be at operating temperature•The steering wheel must be straight.•The vehicle must be on flat ground.•The vehicle must not be in reverse.•A trailer must not be connected.•The temperature of the passenger compartment must be within the
comfort limits (button ⇒page 169, fig. 135 should be selected).•The windscreen de-mist function must be off.•If not , it requires an increase in airflow ⇒page 169, fig. 135 for more
than three presses.•The temperature must not be set to HI or LO .•The driver door must be closed.•The diesel particulate filter must not be in regeneration mode, for diesel
engines.•The battery charge must not be low for the next start.•The battery temperature must be between -1 °C and 55 °C.•The parking assistant, Park Assist* must not be activated.
GAS
ACA11
A10
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Driving191
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Caution
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the vehicle moves closer, so the system will not
give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences,
chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be
detected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 192.SEAT Parking System Plus*: Description
The parking system plus is an acoustic and optical parking
aid.Sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers. When the sensors detect
an obstacle, you are alerted by acoustic and optical signals. The measuring
range of the sensors starts at approximately:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than 0.30 m away from the obstacle, the
warning tone will sound continuously. Stop moving immediately!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about four
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected
obstacle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal).
Activating/DeactivatingActivating
– Connects the radio navigator.
–Press the switch
 on the centre console ⇒ fig. 152 or on the
gear selector gate. You will hear a brief confirmation tone and the
LED on the switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forward faster than 10 km/h, or
–Press the switch  or
– Switch the ignition off.
Segments in the optical display
Som e colour segments in front and behind and an acoustic signal enable the
driver to assess the distance with respect to an obstacle. The amber colour
Front
Side
0.90
Centre
1.20
Rear
Side
0.60
Centre
1.60
Fig. 152 Centre console:
Switch for parking aid
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Driving
192segments combined with a discontinuous beep indicate the presence of an
obstacle. As the vehicle gets closer to the obstacle, the colour of the segment
changes to red and the acoustic signal beeps continuously. When the penul-
timate segment is displayed, this means that the vehicle has reached the
collision zone. Stop moving immediately! ⇒
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver is
personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.•The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered.
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will not
always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.•Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and make full
use of the rear view mirrors.Caution
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the vehicle moves closer, so the system will not
give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences,
chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be
detected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
•Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒ page 192.•There is a slight delay in the picture display.
To w i n g b r a c k e tIn towing mode, the rear parking aid sensors are not enabled when you select
reverse gear or press the switch
. This function may not be guaranteed on
towing brackets that are not factory fitted. This results in the following restric-
tions:
SEAT Parking System*
No warning is given.
SEAT Parking System Plus*
There is no rear distance warning. The system will still give a warning when
obstacles are detected while driving forward. The optical display changes to
towing mode.
Fault messagesIf you hear a long beep for a few seconds and the LED on the switch
* starts
flashing when you switch on the parking aid, a system fault has occurred.
Please refer the problem to an Authorised SEAT dealer or specialised work-
shop.
Note
If the fault is not corrected before you switch off the ignition, it will only be
indicated by the flashing LED on the switch
 the next time you switch on
the parking aid.
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Intelligent technology199
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp is lit. The TCS should normally
be left on. Only in exceptional circumstances, when the slipping of the wheels
is required, should it be disconnected, for example
•With compact temporary spare wheel.•When using the snow chains.•When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces•When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by rocking.
The TCS should be switched on again as soon as possible.WARNING
•It must be remembered that TCS cannot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.•Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by TCS tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.•Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
XDS*
Driveshaft differentialWhen taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel
that is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque delivered to the
inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the
outer wheel is receiving a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This
causes an overall loss of lateral grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer
or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
By using the ESP sensors and signals, the XDS system is able to detect and
correct this effect.
Through the ESP, the XDS brakes the inner wheel, thereby counteracting the
excess drive torque in this wheel. This means that the driver’s desired trajec-
tory is much more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active,
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle’s
stability on the road.The Electronic Stability Programme helps reduce the danger of skidding.
The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL, TCS and
Steering manoeuvre recommendations.
 OFF
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