ignition Seat Altea XL 2012 Repair Manual

185
Driving
Handbrake Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehi-
cle from accidentally rolling away.
Fig. 151 Handbrake be-
tween the front seats
Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ fig. 151.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the di-
rection of the arrow ⇒ fig. 151 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ⇒ 
. Always apply the handbrake
as far as it will go in order to prevent you from
driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning turns off when the handbrake is
released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following mes-
sage* will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. You will
also hear an acoustic warning signal.
WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied
to the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
● If it is only partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating,
which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an
accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected. 
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

186Driving
–Select first gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn
the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle
⇒ 
.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that
they point towards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .
● Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and se-
lecting first gear.
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle
in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
 Hill-start aid*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESC (ESP).
This device helps when starting uphill.
These are the basic operation conditions: doors closed, brake pedal press-
ed down and vehicle in neutral. The system is activated on selecting a gear.
After removing your foot from the brake pedal, the braking force is main-
tained for a few seconds to prevent the vehicle from moving backward when
putting into gear. This short space of time is enough to start the vehicle
with ease.
This system also works when reversing uphill.
WARNING
● If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off
the brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain condi-
tions. Depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake
immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you want to prevent the vehi-
cle from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal
down for a few seconds before starting off.
Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop can tell you if your vehicle is
equipped with this system. 

188Driving
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:
FrontSide0.90Centre1.20
RearSide0.60Centre1.60
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 obsta-
cle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal). Activating/DeactivatingFig. 152 Centre console:
Switch for parking aid
Activating
– 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
Some colour segments in front and behind and an acoustic signal enable
the driver to assess the distance with respect to an obstacle. The amber col-
our segments combined with a discontinuous beep indicate the presence of 

189
Driving
an obstacle. As the vehicle gets closer to the obstacle, the colour of the seg-
ment changes to red and the acoustic signal beeps continuously. When the
penultimate 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 ac-
cidents.
● 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 de-
tected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
● Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒ page 189.
● There is a slight delay in the picture display. 
Towing bracket
In towing mode, the rear parking aid sensors are not enabled when you se-
lect reverse gear or press the switch . This function may not be guaran- teed on towing brackets that are not factory fitted. This results in the follow-
ing restrictions:
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 messages
If 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 oc-
curred. Please refer the problem to an Authorised SEAT dealer or specialised
workshop.
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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

190Driving
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system)
Description
The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed
in the range of 30 km/h to 180 km/h.
Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the ac-
celerator.
WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible
to drive at constant speed.
● Do not use the cruise control system when driving in dense traffic, on
roads with lots of bends or on roads with poor conditions (with ice, slip-
pery surfaces, loose grit or gravel), as this could cause an accident.
● Always switch the cruise control system off after using it in order to
avoid an involuntary use.
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current
road, traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.
Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending
downhill. The vehicle will accelerate due to its own weight. Use the foot
brake to slow the vehicle. Switching the cruise control system on and off
Fig. 153 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er: switch and rocker
switch for the cruise con-
trol
Switching on the system
– Push the switch ⇒ fig. 153 B
to the left to
ON.
Switching off the system
– Either push the switch B
to the right to
OFF or turn the ignition
off when the vehicle is stationary.
When the cruise control is on and a speed is programmed, the indicator 
on the instrument panel is lit. 1)
If the cruise control system is switched off, the  symbol is switched off.
The system will also be deactivated completely when 1st gear is selected.*
1)
Depending on the model version

193
Driving
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
The system is completely turned off by moving the control B
all the way to
the right hand side (OFF engaged), or when the vehicle is stationary,
ignition off.
Vehicles with automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox*
To completely disengage the system, the selector lever must be placed in
one of the following positions: P, N, R or 1 or with the vehicle stopped and
the ignition turned off. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

203
Driving and the environment
WARNING (Continued)
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively used, they will overheat.
Before driving down a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of
transmission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.
● Never let the brakes “drag” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use, va-
pour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of
the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories
please observe the relevant instructions ⇒ page 221, Technical modifi-
cations.
● If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid unnecessa-
ry journeys.

Exhaust gas purification system Catalytic converter*
To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages
the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. –
For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine
oil ⇒ page 236, Topping up engine oil .
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
⇒ page 279.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp
will light up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒ page 77. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the en-
vironment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! There is a risk of
fire.
● Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
dry grass or flammable materials under the vehicle.
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.
CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry because the irregularity of the fuel
supply may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the
exhaust system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be
solved by changing to another brand of fuel. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

212Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
General notes
Regular washing and care help maintain the value of your
vehicle.Vehicle maintenance
Regular care and washing help to maintain the value of the vehicle. This
may also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in
the event of bodywork corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect your vehicle against the harmful effects of the envi-
ronment is through correct maintenance and frequent washing. The longer
substances such as insect remains, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road
dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive materi-
als remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork. High
temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight) further intensify the corrosive
effect.
After winter, a period when salt is put on the roads, it is important to have
the underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Products for vehicle maintenance
Car care products are available in your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the
product instructions until you have used them up.
WARNING
● Car care products can be toxic. Because of this, they must always be
kept closed in their original container. Keep them out of the reach of chil-
dren. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
● Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the pack-
age before using vehicle care products. Improper use could cause health
problems or damage the vehicle. The use of certain products may pro-
duce noxious vapours; they should be used in well ventilated areas.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. Risk of fire and ex-
plosion.
● Before washing your vehicle, or carrying out any maintenance, switch
the engine off, apply the handbrake firmly and remove the key from the
ignition.
CAUTION
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is dry.
Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could damage
the paintwork or the windows of your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with
plenty of water.
For the sake of the environment
● When purchasing products for your vehicle maintenance, select the
ones which are not harmful to the environment.
● The waste from car care products should not be disposed of with ordina-
ry household waste. Observe the disposal information on the package. 

214Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
WARNING
● Wash your vehicle with the ignition switched off.
● Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of in-
jury.
● Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.
CAUTION
● Never remove dirt, mud or dust if the vehicle surface is dry. Never use a
dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could scratch the paintwork
or glass on your vehicle.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: when washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Risk of freezing.
For the sake of the environment
To protect environment, the vehicle should be washed only in specially pro-
vided wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water entering the
sewerage system. In some places, washing vehicles outside wash bays is
prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Washing the vehicle with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!
– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner,
particularly those concerning the pressure and the spraying
distance.
– Increase the spraying distance for soft materials and painted
bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from
windows ⇒ page 215.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles (“rotating jets”) ⇒ 
.
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry” the
brakes by braking several times ⇒ page 202.
WARNING
● Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet (“rotating nozzle”). Even at
large spraying distances and short cleaning times, visible and invisible
damage can occur to the tyres. This may cause an accident.
● Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.
CAUTION
● Do not use water hotter than 60 °C. This could damage the vehicle.
● To avoid damage to the vehicle, keep a sufficient distance from sensitive
materials such as flexible hoses, plastic, soundproofing material, etc. This
is also important for bumpers painted in the colour of the bodywork. The
closer the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the wear on the material. 

218Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust system. The heat of
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite. Risk of fire.

Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.
Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the vehi-
cle is frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the ve-
hicle, the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before
and after winter.
Your Authorised Service Centre has got the necessary equipment to provide
the correct cleaning and preserving products. For this reason, we recom-
mend having this work performed by them.
The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine
cleaned. On commissioning this work, ensure that all surfaces, seams,
joints and components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion
treatment.
WARNING
● When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 230.
● Before opening the bonnet, switch the engine off, apply the hand-
brake firmly and always remove the key from the ignition.
● Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.
● Do not clean the vehicle underbody, wheel arches or wheel trims
without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-
edged metal parts. Failure to comply could result in injury.
● Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency.
Risk of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.
● Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!
For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed.
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason, en-
gine washing should be carried out only by a specialised workshop or a pet-
rol station. 
Vehicle interior maintenance Plastic parts and dash panel cleaning
– Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic parts and the dash
panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special sol-
vent-free plastic cleaning product. 