fuel Seat Altea XL 2013 Owner's Manual

Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Instructions to follow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Ball coupling of towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 212
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 242
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Vehicle tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . 259
Wheel change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tyre repair kit (Tyre Mobility System)* . . . . . . . . . 266
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Technical Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . 288
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Petrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Petrol engine 1.2 77 kW (105 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Petrol engine 1.8 118 kW (160 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 66 kW (90 PS) with/
without DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) with/
without DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS)
Start-Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) . . . . . 302
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) 4-
wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
4Table of Contents

57
Cockpit
Instruments Instrument overview
The instruments display the vehicle operating status.
Fig. 34 Detailed view of the dash panel: instrument
panel
Detailed view of the dash panel: instrument panel Fuel gauge ⇒ page 58
Multifunction display ⇒ page 61
Engine coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 58
Rev counter ⇒ page 59
Time adjustment button / trip recorder reset button ⇒ page 59
Speedometer ⇒ page 59 
1
23456
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

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

59
Cockpit
Even if the coolant level is correct do not continue driving. You should ob-
tain technical assistance.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 233.
CAUTION
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant.
At high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating. 
Rev counter
The rev counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per
minute. The start of the red zone ⇒ Fig. 34 4
indicates the maximum engine speed
operating at service temperature. However, it is advisable to change up into
a higher gear, move the selector lever to D or lift your foot off the accelerator
before the needle reaches the red zone.
CAUTION
To prevent possible engine malfunctions, the rev counter needle should not
reach the red zone. The start of the red zone on the dial is different for some
engine versions.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up into higher gears sooner, following the recommended gear in-
dications ⇒ Fig. 40 will help you to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and
also engine noise. Speedometer
The speedometer is equipped with a digital odometer and a trip recorder, in
addition to a service intervals display.
During the running-in period, the instructions shown on
⇒ page 202
should be followed. 
Setting the digital clock*
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.
– Turn the setting knob ⇒ Fig. 34 5
clockwise until the first
“click” to set the hour. The hour will flash. To change the hour,
press the button.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the second “click” to set the
minutes. The minutes will flash. To change the minutes, press
the button.
Note
On Highline versions, the time can also be configured on the Kombi menu. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

60Cockpit
LPG system*
LPG gauge
Fig. 37 Instrument pan-
el: gas gauge.
LPG system filler level display
The LPG tank ⇒ 
in the spare wheel well has a capacity of 39 litres at an
outside temperature of 15 °C ⇒ page 228, Refuelling with LPG.
The charge level can be checked on the analogue gas gauge located on the
instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 37. When the level reaches reserve, a notification
text is displayed on the screen. Refill with LPG at the earliest opportunity.
If, while driving in LPG mode, a sudden audible warning is heard and the
warning message LPG fault, contact workshop is displayed on the screen1)
, it
means that there is a fault in the LPG system. Take the vehicle to a special-
ised workshop to check the LPG system.
WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable substance. It may cause se-
vere 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 mechani-
cal, to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.
Note
● The values shown in the average fuel consumption and distance to emp-
ty indications on the multifunction display (MFI) 2)
on the instrument panel
display 1)
are approximate values only.
● Two different consumption values are given on the MFI, depending on
whether the vehicle is running in GAS or Petrol mode.
● Please check the fuel level on the fuel level gauge on the instrument
panel ⇒ page 58
● If frequent short journeys are made, especially when the outside tem-
perature 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. 
1)
Depending on the model version
2) Optional equipment

62Cockpit
Recommended gear display*
This display helps to save fuel.
Fig. 40 Gear display
Use the gear display to save fuel. If you are driving in the correct gear, a dot
will be shown next to the gear display. If you are not in the correct gear, an
arrow will appear next to the gear display indicating whether you should
change up or down.
Note
The gear change indication should not be taken into account the accelera-
tion is required (for example when overtaking). 
Odometer or flexible service interval display
Odometer
The left-hand counter in the display registers the total amount of distance
covered by the vehicle. The right-hand counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates
steps of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by holding
down the reset button for a few seconds.
Service interval display
Vehicles with
Service intervals dependent on time/distance travelled al-
ready have certain service intervals set. The intervals are calculated individ-
ually in vehicles with LongLife service.
The service interval display only indicates the dates of services that include
engine oil change. The dates of all other services, such as Inspection Serv-
ice or brake fluid change, appear in the sticker on the door pillar or in the
Maintenance Programme.
A Service pre-warning will appear in the odometer if a service is due soon. A
“spanner” symbol appears and the display “km” with the distance that can
be driven until the next service appointment is due. The display will change
after approximately 10 seconds. A “clock symbol” appears and the number
of days until the service appointment should be carried out. The following
message is shown in the instrument panel display*: Service in
[XXXX]
kmor
[XXXX]
days
The service message will disappear approximately 20 seconds after the ig-
nition is switched on or the engine is running. The normal display can be
resumed by briefly pressing the reset button on the trip counter or by press-
ing the OK
button on the steering wheel controls.
With the ignition on, you can check the current service message at any mo-
ment in the Vehicle status menu or turning the reset button to access the
service display.
An overdue service is indicated by a minus sign in front of the mileage or
day information. 

63
Cockpit
Indications for vehicles with LongLife service
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing re-
quirements. With the LongLife System, SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an interval service when it is necessary. The length of the Interval Serv-
ices (max. two years) is determined by factors such as conditions under
which the vehicle is used and personal driving style.
The service pre-warning will first appear 20 days before the date on which
the service is due. The distance travelled is rounded off to the nearest
100 km (miles) and the time to full days. The current service message can
only be consulted 500 km (300 miles) after the last service. Until that time,
only dashes are displayed.
Note
● If you reset the display manually, the next service interval will be indica-
ted after 15 000 km (10 000 miles) or one year and will not be calculated
individually.
● Do not reset the display between service intervals as the display will
otherwise be incorrect.
● In LongLife Service vehicles, if the battery is disconnected for a long pe-
riod, the days remaining until the next service cannot be calculated. There-
fore, the service message displays on the instrument panel may be incor-
rect. Take into account the maximum authorised service intervals. Multifunction display (MFI)*
The multifunction display (MFI) shows you information on
the journey and fuel consumption.
Fig. 41 Rocker buttons A
and B. Steering wheel
controls.
Fig. 42 Digital instru-
ment panel display

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

64Cockpit
The multifunction system uses two automatic memories: 1 - Trip
memory and 2 - Total memory . The selected memory will be shown
in the upper right-hand corner of the display.
Selecting a memory
– When the ignition is on, briefly press button ⇒ Fig. 41 A
on the
windscreen wiper lever to change from one memory to another
or press button A
on the steering wheel controls
⇒ Fig. 41.
Resetting a memory
– Select the memory that you would like to reset.
– Hold down button A
on the windscreen wiper lever or button
A on the steering wheel controls for at least 2 seconds.
The trip memory 1 collects the travel and consumption rates from the mo-
ment the ignition is switched on until it is switched off. If the journey is con-
tinued within two hours of switching off the ignition, the new values will be
added to the existing trip recorder memory. The memory will automatically
be deleted if the journey is interrupted for more than two hours.
The total memory 2 collects the trip data for any number of individual jour-
neys (even if the ignition is switched off for longer than two hours) up to a
total of 19 hours and 59 minutes travel time or 1999 km (miles) distance
travelled. The memory will automatically be deleted if one of the named val-
ues is reached. Information in the multifunction display (MFI)*Fig. 43 Rocker buttons A
and B. Steering wheel
controls.
Fig. 44 Digital instru-
ment panel display: aver-
age fuel consumption in-
dicator.
You can switch between the following displays in the multifunction display
(MFI) by operating rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 43 B
on the window wiper lever.


65
Cockpit
Memory displays
● Distance
● Average speed
● Driving speed
● Speed warning at --- km/h (mph)
● Journey duration
● Current fuel consumption
● Average fuel consumption
● Fuel range
km (miles) - Distance travelled The display shows the distance travelled since the ignition was switched on.
The maximum display value in both memories is 1999 km (miles). The
memory will automatically be deleted once this value has been reached.
km/h (mph) - Average speed
The average speed will be shown after running a distance of approximately
100 metres. Until then dashes will appear in the display. The display will be
updated every 5 seconds while the vehicle is in motion.
km/h (mph) - Driving speed Driving speed is digitally shown in the display.
Set speed indicator
When driving at the required speed, enter the speed indicator mode and
press the button A
(Reset), the display remembers the indicated speed. If
the indicated speed is exceeded, a warning message is displayed on the
screen 1)
and an acoustic signal is given.
This may be deactivated by pressing the button A
(Reset).The speed may be altered using the rocker switch
B
in steps of 5 km/h
(mph) within 5 seconds of the initial memory value.
min - Journey duration
The display shows the amount of time which has elapsed since the ignition
was switched on.
The maximum display value in both memories is 19 hours and 59 minutes.
The memory will automatically be deleted once this value has been
reached.
l/100 km or l/h - Current fuel consumption The display will show the current fuel consumption in litre/km whilst the ve-
hicle is in motion or in litre/hour when the vehicle is in a stationary position
with the engine running.
Using this display you can see how your driving style affects fuel consump-
tion ⇒  page 204.
litre/100 km - Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption will be shown ⇒ Fig. 44 after a distance of
approximately 100 metres has been travelled. Until then dashes will appear
in the display. The display will be updated every 5 seconds while the vehicle
is in motion. The amount of fuel used will not be shown.
 Km (miles) - Fuel range
The fuel range is calculated using the figures for tank content and current
fuel consumption. It shows how far the vehicle can travel using the same
conditions as a reference.
Outside temperature indicator
The measurement margin ranges from -45 °C (-49 °F) to +58 °C (+136.4 °F).
At temperatures lower than +4 °C (+39.2 °F), an “ice crystal symbol” is dis-
played and an audible “gong” warning is given if the vehicle is moving at 
1)
Depending on the model version, the message on the screen may vary and may be repre-
sented by flashing of the speed indication or by a speed message.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

67
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.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications