
Contents
4Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving economically and with respect for the 
environment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
 . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the vehicle interior  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories, parts replacement and 
modifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Roof aerial*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mobile telephones and two-way radios . . . . . . . 
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking and refilling levels
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . 
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
If and when
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel  . . . . . . . . 
Wheel change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre repair kit (Tyre-Mobility-System) . . . . . . . . . 
Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lamp change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes on the technical data
 . . . . . . . 
What you should be aware of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
How are the figures measured?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Techn ical  Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.6l 75 kW (102 bhp) . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 2.0l 110 kW (150 bhp)  . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 2.0l 110 kW (150 bhp). Automatic
Diesel engine 1.9l TDI 77 kW (105 bhp)  . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0l  TDI 103 kW (140  bhp)   . . .  . 
Diesel engine 2.0l  TDI 103 kW (140  bhp)   
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0l  TDI 100 kW (136  bhp)   .  . .  . 
Diesel engine 2.0l  TDI 100 kW (136  bhp)
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
181
183
185
185
186
191
194
194
194
195
195
196
198
198
199
200
201
204
209
211
214
216
218
224
224
226
231
233
240
249
252 255
255
255
257
258
258
260
260
261
262
264
265
267
268
270
271
273
275
altea_ingles  Seite 4  Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005  3:02 15 

Cockpit
58
3) .  Stop the car and switch off the engine.  Check the coolant level 
⇒ page 209  ⇒ .
Even if the coolant level is correct  do not continue driving. You should obtain 
technical assistance.WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always bear in mind the safety 
warnings.  ⇒page 201
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 on the dial  ⇒page 56, fig. 33    indicates the 
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine is warm 
and after it has been run in properly. However, it is advisable to change up a 
gear or move the selector lever to D (or l ift your foot off the accelerator) before 
the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of 
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise engine 
noise.Setting the digital clock* 
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.– Turn the setting knob  ⇒page 56, fig. 33    anti-clockwise to 
the stop to set the hour. If the kn ob is turned briefly anti-clock-
wise the clock will advance one hour further.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the limit stop to set the  minutes. If the knob is turned briefly clockwise the clock will 
advance one minute further.
3)Depending on the model version
A4
A5
altea_ingles  Seite 58  Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005  3:02 15
display 

Cockpit
72
Item Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
Fuel level / reserve ⇒page 74 
Coolant level / coolant temperature ⇒page 74
Rear fog light switched on   ⇒ page 75
 
Turn signals in operation ⇒page 75
Trailer turn signals in operation  ⇒ page 75
Main beam switched on ⇒page 75
Bulb defective ⇒page 75
Cruise control system switched on   ⇒ page 76
Washer fluid level  ⇒page 76
 
Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system ⇒
page 76
Engine oil pressure ⇒page 77
ABS system fault ⇒page 77
 
Pollen accumulation in the diesel engine particle filter ⇒page 78
Alternator fault ⇒page 78
A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13A14
altea_ingles  Seite 72  Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005  3:02 15 

Cockpit
74•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area! 
Before you open the bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment, you must switch off the engine and  allow it to cool to reduce the risk 
of scalding or other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings 
⇒ page 201.Note
•
The appropriate warning lamp for a fa ult will light up in vehicles without 
warning or information texts in the display.
•
In vehicles with warning or information texts in the display, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will ligh t up and a warning or information text 
will also appear in the display.
Fuel level / reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is down to 
the reserve level.This lights when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. Also, an  audible 
warning  is given. This serves as  a reminder to fill up with fuel at the earliest 
opportunity  ⇒page 198.
The following information text displa yed in the instrument panel display
6) : 
PLEASE REFUEL!  .
Coolant Level* / temperature 
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too 
high or if the coolant level is too low.There is a fault if:•
The warning symbol does not go  out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while 
three acoustic warning signals  ⇒  are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature 
is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
The following information text display ed in the instrument panel display
7) : 
CHECK COOLANT SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too 
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial.  Stop the vehicle, 
switch off the engine and wa it for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction 
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary  ⇒page 233.
If the warning lamp lights  up again after driving on for a short distance,  stop 
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Contact an Authorised Service Centre 
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
The following information text display ed in the instrument panel display8) : 
STOP CHECK COOLANT SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL  ⇒ page 209.
6)Depending on the model versionWARNING (continued)
7)Depending on the model version8)Depending on the model version
altea_ingles  Seite 74  Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005  3:02 15 

Checking and refilling levels201
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at 
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to paraffin separation. 
For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries 
during  the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22
° C.
In countries with different climatic cond itions the diesel fuel sold generally 
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service 
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel 
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a filter fuel pre-heater, making it well equipped for 
operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to 
approx. -24
°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15
°C .
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start 
at temperatures of under -24
° C, simply place the vehicle in a warm room for 
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”,  or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the 
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1.  Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3.  Move the gear stick to neutral or the selector lever to position P.
4.  Wait for the engine to cool down.
5.  Keep children away from the vehicle.
6.  Raise the bonnet ⇒page 203.You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know 
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work 
carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and 
batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of 
information to the Authorised Service  Centres concerning modifications. For 
this reason we recommend that you have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions  ⇒page 194. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a 
hazardous area. ⇒ .
altea_ingles  Seite 201  Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005  3:02 15 

Checking and refilling levels
202
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and 
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk 
of accident or fire.•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining 
burns. Wait until no more steam or  coolant is emitted, then allow the 
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
•
Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
•
Apply the handbrake and move the gea r stick to neutral or selector 
lever to position P.
•
Keep children away from the vehicle.
•
Never touch hot engine parts. This is a risk of burns.
•
Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This 
is a fire hazard.
•
Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the 
points where the jump leads are attached  ⇒page 250. The battery could 
explode.
•
Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the 
key removed from the ignition!
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. 
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick 
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths 
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•
If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable 
stands additionally to support the vehicle, risk of accident!. A hydraulic 
jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of injury.
•
If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the 
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the 
rotating parts, such as the drive belt s, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and 
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the 
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get 
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any 
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting 
clothes.
− Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is 
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could 
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•
If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above 
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when 
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.Caution
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you 
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result 
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
WARNING (continued)
altea_ingles  Seite 202  Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005  3:02 15 

Checking and refilling levels203
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the  ground underneath your vehicle. If you 
find spots of oil or other fluids, have  your vehicle inspected in a qualified 
workshop.Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in 
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard  ⇒fig. 151 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be 
released by a spring action  ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the rele ase lever (arrow) and open the 
bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this  in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment.
Fig. 151  Detail of the 
footwell: The release lever 
for the bonnet is located 
in the driver side footwell
Fig. 152  Arrester hook 
for bonnet.
altea_ingles  Seite 203  Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005  3:02 15 

Checking and refilling levels
204•
Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet, 
then carefully open the bonnet.
•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 201
Closing the bonnet– Raise the bonnet slightly
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.If the bonnet does not close, do not press downwards. Open it onc e more and 
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it  could open while you are driving and 
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•
After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The 
bonnet must be flush with  the surrounding body panels.
•
If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is 
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk 
of accident.
Engine oilEngine oil specifications
The engine used must conform to exact specifications.Specifications
A special high-quality multigrade oil is put in the engine at the factory. This 
can be used all the year round, except in exceptionally cold climates.
As the use of good quality oil is nec essary for the correct operation and long 
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change 
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil 
conforming to the ACEA or API standards with an appropriate viscosity at 
atmospheric temperature should be used in stead. The use of this type of oil 
may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example, 
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all 
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should 
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together 
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for 
both types of engines.
WARNING (continued)
altea_ingles  Seite 204  Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005  3:02 15