warning light Seat Altea XL 2013 User Guide

58Cockpit
Fuel gauge  and reserve indicator
Fig. 35 Instrument pan-
el: fuel gauge
Instrument panel: fuel gauge
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 55 litres.
When the needle reaches the reserve area ⇒ Fig. 35 (arrow), the warning
lamp will light up and an audible warning will sound reminding the driver to
refuel. At this point there are still 7 litres of fuel in the tank.
The following message appears on the instrument panel display 1)
PLEASE
REFUEL [XXX] *. Engine coolant temperature gauge

This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
Fig. 36 Instrument pan-
el: engine coolant tem-
perature gauge
Needle in cold zone A
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads
⇒ Fig. 36.
Needle in normal zone B
In normal driving conditions, the needle should be in the middle section of
the scale. The temperature may also rise when the engine is working hard,
especially at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern as
long as the warning lamp does not light up and no warning message* ap-
pears on the instrument panel display.
Needle in warning zone C
The warning lamp* ⇒ Fig. 50 2 will light up if the needle is in the warning
zone. The following warning message appears on the instrument panel dis-
play 1)
. Stop the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the coolant level
⇒ page 240 ⇒ 
. 
1)
Depending on the model version

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Digital instrument panel display
Display (without warning or information texts)
The display in the instrument panel shows, amongst other
things, the mileage and trip recorder as well as the selector
lever position.
Fig. 38 Detailed view of
the instrument panel:
screen with different in-
dicators
Digital clock display ⇒ page 59. On the right of the display: Selector
lever position display for the automatic gearbox*. The current position
of the selector lever or the gear which is engaged (for tiptronic)* is
highlighted.
Outside temperature.
Odometer or flexible service interval display.* 
1
23
Displayed categories*
The display on the instrument panel shows the mileage and
trip recorder as well as the selector lever position.
Fig. 39 Digital instru-
ment panel display
Clock: “Setting the time”. On the right of the display: Selector lever po-
sition display for the automatic gearbox*. The actual position of the se-
lector lever or the gear which is engaged (for tiptronic) is highlighted.
There are optional and automatic displays in this field.
Optional indicators: e.g. those on the multifunction display (MFI)
Automatic indicators: Information and warning messages.
Menus providing further information and which can be used to make di-
verse settings are also shown: “Instrument panel menus”
Outside temperature:
Odometer or flexible service interval display. 
1
2
–
–
–
3
4
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more than 20 km/h (12 mph) (ice warning). This symbol will flash for about
10 seconds and remains lit until the outside temperature rises above +4 °C
(+39.2 °F) or +6 °C (+42.8 °F) if it was already lit.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake sym-
bol” is not shown. For this reason you should not rely exclusively on this
display - Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature
as a result of the heat radiated from the engine. 
Warning or information message in the display
Faults are shown in the display with control lamps and
warning/information reports.
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the ig-
nition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Functional faults are
indicated by symbols with warning or information messages in the display.
An audible warning is given in certain cases.
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning symbols (pri-
ority 2)
Information text
In addition to warning messages given on a fault, you will receive informa-
tion in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
Note
In the case of screens without warning or information messages, faults are
indicated exclusively by the control lamps. 
Warning messages, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings. This is a danger warning. Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will contin-
ue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warn-
ing message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
● Brake system symbol  with the warning message STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
● Coolant symbol  with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol  with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL . 
Warning messages, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompa-
nied by one audible warning. The function should be checked as soon as
possible. 

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Cockpit
If several priority 2 warning messages are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. Af-
ter a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be
shown as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2 warning messages will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
messages have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages (yellow): 1)
● Fuel warning light with the information text PLEASE REFUEL.
● Windscreen washer fluid level symbol  with the information message
ADD WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Refill the windscreen washer tank
⇒ page 242. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
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Cockpit
TelephoneThis menu is only available in vehicles with radio
unit if the vehicle is fitted with the telephone func-
tion. In vehicles fitted with a radio navigation sys-
tem, this menu is available in the central unit (navi-
gator) ⇒ Booklet SEAT Media System.
Vehicle conditionThis menu displays current warning or information
texts: “Vehicle status menu”
This option flashes when one of these texts is dis-
played.
ConfigurationThis option allows the time, the speed warning when
using winter tyres, units, language, independent
heating, the Light and visibility menu and the Con-
venience menu to be reset.
a)
Only in vehicles fitted with a radio navigation system.
Note
For electronic and vehicle equipment one or more of these menus will be
displayed. Multifunction display menu (MFI)
The multifunction display (MFI) shows you information on
the journey and fuel consumption.
Fig. 49 Multifunction
display (MFI) instrument
panel display.
The multifunction display (MFI) has two automatic memories: 1 - Trip memo-
ry and 2 - Total memory . The selected memory is shown on the upper right
hand section of the display ⇒ Fig. 49 at all times.
Open the multifunction display menu Select the Multifunction display menu from the main menu
⇒ page 70
and press the OK
button on the windscreen wiper lever or the multi-
function lever*.
Selecting a memory To change from one memory to another, briefly press button A
⇒ 
Fig. 45
⇒ page 68 on the windscreen wiper lever or the OK button on
the multifunction lever ⇒ Fig. 46
⇒ page 68 while the ignition is switch-
ed on. 
–
–
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Cockpit
stored and the warning is activated. If the set speed is exceeded, an audible
warning is heard and a warning message is displayed until the speed is re-
duced to at least 4 km/h (2 mph) below the stored speed. The function is
switched off by pressing the OK
button again. Speed warning --- km/h
(miles) is now displayed on the instrument panel.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake sym-
bol” is not shown. For this reason you should not rely exclusively on this
display - Risk of accident!
Note
● There are different instrument panels; therefore the multifunction dis-
play may vary.
● When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tem-
perature displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside tempera-
ture as a result of the heat radiated from the engine.
● Vehicles with a multifunction steering wheel* do not have buttons on
the windscreen wiper lever. The multifunction display can only be controlled
from the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel*. 
Vehicle status menu
This menu shows warning or information texts
Open Vehicle Condition menu
– Select the option Vehicle status from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK
on the windscreen wiper lever
A⇒ 
Fig. 47. Or –
Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ Fig. 46 until the Vehicle Status menu is displayed.
Priority 2 warning messages and information texts: “Information and warn-
ing messages on the screen” will automatically disappear from the screen
after a time and will be stored in the Vehicle status menu.
The warning and information texts may be viewed in this menu. If there is
no warning or information message, the option Vehicle status is not dis-
played. If there are several messages, each one is shown for a few seconds.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 68
Note
If there are no warning messages, this menu is not available. 
Configuration menu
This menu is used to make the settings for the vehicle func-
tions. Open Configuration menu
– Select the option Configuration from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK

A ⇒ Fig. 45 on the windscreen
wiper lever. Or
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ Fig. 46 until the Configuration menu is displayed.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 68 
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Displayed on the screenFunctionMultifunction display
data.This menu is used to establish the data in the
multifunction display menu to be displayed on
the instrument panel ⇒ page 71
ConvenienceThe convenience set-up mode is used to make
the settings for the convenience functions in the
vehicle.
Lights and visibilityFrom this menu it is it possible to alter the vehi-
cle lighting settings.
TimeThe hours and minutes of the clock and the navi-
gation system can be changed. Choose between
12 and 24-hour format and change to summer
time.
Winter tyresThe menu allows the setting of a speed at which
an optical and acoustic warning will be given by
the system. You can use this function, for exam-
ple, if you have fitted winter tyres which are not
suited for the top speed of your vehicle. Please
see the section “Wheels and tyres”.
LanguageThe display texts and the navigation system
texts can be seen in different languages.
UnitsThis option allows you to select the units for dis-
playing temperature, fuel consumption values
and distances.
sel. speedThe instrument panel also displays the speed in
another different unit of measurement (mph or
km/h) to that given on the speedometer.
Inter ServiceConsult service messages and reset service in-
terval display here.
Factory settingsThe manufacturer's predefined values for the
functions of this menu are restored.
Backa)This returns to the main menua)
Only if the windscreen wiper lever is used (MFI).
Note
● For electronic and vehicle equipment one or more of these menus will be
displayed.
● SEAT dealerships are able to programme other functions or change the
existing functions depending upon the vehicle equipment.
● The Configuration menu is only accessible when the vehicle is at a
standstill. 
Convenience menu
From this menu it is it possible to alter the vehicle conven-
ience settings.
Open menu Convenience
– Choose the option Configuration from the main menu and press
the button OK

A ⇒ Fig. 45 on the windscreen wiper lever.
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ Fig. 46 until the Configuration menu is displayed.
– Choose the option Convenience from the main menu and press
the button A
on the windscreen wiper lever.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 68 

78Cockpit
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther infor-
mation
1Fuel level / reserve⇒ page 81
2Coolant level / coolant temperature⇒ page 82
3Rear fog light switched on⇒ page 82
4 Turn signals in operation⇒ page 83
5Engine fault (petrol engine)⇒ page 83
Glow plug system (diesel engines)⇒ page 83
6Main beam switched on⇒ page 83
7Soot accumulation in the diesel engine
particulate filter⇒ page 83
8ABS system fault⇒ page 84
9Windscreen washer fluid level⇒ page 84
10Alternator fault⇒ page 85
11Fasten seat belts!⇒ page 19
12Brake pad worn⇒ page 85
13Tyre pressure⇒ page 85
14Airbag or belt tensioner system fault or
airbag disabled⇒ page 29
⇒ page 32
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther infor-
mation
15Bulb defective⇒ page 86
16Brake fluid required or
brake system fault⇒ page 86
17
Red:
Engine oil pressure
⇒ page 87Yellow:
If flashing: engine oil sensor faulty
If it remains lit: insufficient engine oil
18Handbrake on⇒ page 185
19Cruise speed activated (Cruise control)⇒ page 87
20Door open indicator⇒ page 88
21If it stays lit: ASR switched off⇒ page 89
⇒ page 89
⇒ page 170
22Electromechanical steering⇒ page 88
23Fault in the emission control system⇒ page 88
24If flashing: the Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC) is working or the ASR is work-
ing
If the following remain lit: ESC or ASR
faulty⇒ page 89
⇒ page 89
⇒ page 170

25Selector lever lock (automatic gearbox)⇒ page 90 

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Cockpit
WARNING
● Failure to observe control lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
● The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to pre-
vent danger to third parties.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous area. Before you open the
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or
other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings ⇒ page 233.
Note
● The appropriate control lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information messages in the display.
● In vehicles with warning or information messages on the screen, the ap-
propriate control lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information
message will also appear on the screen. Overview of control and warning lamps (vehicles with LPG)
The control lamps indicate a number of different functions
and possible faults.
Fig. 51 Instrument panel control and warning lamps in vehicles with LPG.
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther infor-
mation
1Red: Coolant level/coolant temperature⇒ page 82
2Blue: Cold engine warning⇒ page 82
3LPG system switched on⇒ page 175 
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WARNING
● Failure to observe control lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
● The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to pre-
vent danger to third parties.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous area. Before you open the
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or
other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings ⇒ page 233.
Note
● The appropriate control lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information messages in the display.
● In vehicles with warning or information messages on the screen, the ap-
propriate control lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information
message will also appear on the screen. 
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning sym-
bols (priority 2).
Warning messages, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings. This is a danger warning. Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary. If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will contin-
ue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warn-
ing message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
●
Brake system symbol  with the warning message STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
● Coolant symbol  with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol  with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning messages, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompa-
nied by one audible warning. Check the corresponding function as soon as
possible although the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. Af-
ter a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be
shown as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2 warning messages will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
messages have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages (yellow): 1)
● Fuel warning light with the information text PLEASE REFUEL.
● Windscreen washer fluid symbol  with the information text REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Top up the washer fluid level. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.