2005 Seat Altea brake

Cockpit
76Cruise control system*

The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system
is switched on.The warning lamp
 lights up when the cruise control system is switched on.
Further notes on the cruise control system ⇒page 169.
Washer fluid

This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low.This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
⇒page 211
The following information text display ed in the instrument panel display
10) :
REFILL WINDSCREEN LIQUID
Brake system* / handbrake

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
 lights up if
•
If the handbrake is on If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following message
will appear on the instrument panel display
11):
HANDBRAKE ON Also, an
audible warning is given.
•
If the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 214
The following information text displayed in the instrument panel display
11) :
STOP BRAKE FLUID SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•
If there is a fault in the brake system
The following information text displayed in the instrument panel display
11) :
BRAKE FAULT SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
This warning lamp can light up together with the anti-lock brake system
warning lamp.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 201, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level ⇒page 214, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp
 lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp
, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the
rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified
workshop and have the fault corrected.
9)Depending on the model version10)Depending on the model version
11)Depending on the model version
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Cockpit77
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine oil pressure

This warning lamp indicates that the engine oil pressure is
too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three audible
warnings , switch off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is too
low, add more engine oil ⇒page 204.
The following information text displayed in the instrument panel display
12) :
STOP ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct, do not drive on. The
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.The warning lamp
should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after th e system has run through an automatic
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
The warning lamp
 does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•
The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control
function will not function). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the ⇒page 173.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up. Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp
, this indicates not only a fault in the
ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system. ⇒
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 201.
•
If the brake warning lamp
 should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 214, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident.
Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop
and have the fault corrected.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp
. Please
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL ⇒page 176
12)Depending on the model version
altea_ingles Seite 77 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Cockpit
80Glow plug system / Engine fault


The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating the engine. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp
 is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp
 flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug lamp will flash
. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
Emission control system*

This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp
 flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce
speed and drive carefully to the near est qualified workshop to have the
engine checked.
The following information text display ed in the instrument panel display
13) :
EXHAUST TUBE SEE WORKSHOP
Warning lamp
 is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the
exhaust gas (e. g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest qualified workshop to have the engine checked. The following information text display
ed in the instrument panel display:
EXHAUST TUBE SEE WORKSHOP .
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program.
This program includes the ABS, EDL and TCS.
The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•
It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a
test of the function is carried out.
•
It flashes when the ESP is activated when driving.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
•
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 af ter 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
functional.
Operating the foot brake

The footbrake 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.
13)Depending on the model version
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Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Power steering system*

For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends on
the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out when the engine has started running.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the engine
running. The warning light only goes of f after a distance of approx. 50 m.
There is a fault in the electromechanica l steering system if the lamp does not
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. The indicator may appear
in two different colours to indicate faults. If it lights yellow, this indicates a
minor fault. If it lights red, seek wo rkshop assistance immediately, if no
assistance is available stop driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. The power steering does not work if the battery is flat or if the
engine is off (for example, for towing). You should take into account that you
will need considerably more power than normal to steer the vehicle if the
steering assistance is reduced or has failed completely.
For those vehicles fitted with ESP* the function “Recommended steering
manoeuvre” is included. See⇒ page 175Brake pad wear indicator*

As the brake pad wear indicator only monitors the front brake pads, it is advis-
able to have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time.
The following information text displayed in the instrument panel display
14) :
CHECK BRAKE PADS .
WARNING
Have the brake pads inspected immediately by a qualified dealership if the
warning display
 lights up.
Indicator for open doors or tailgate

This indicator lights if one of th e doors or the tailgate is open.The warning light
 should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off
about 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
Electronic immobiliser* “Safe”
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The immobiliser will be
activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the ignition
lock.
The following information text displayed in the instrument panel display
15) :
SAFE . The vehicle cannot be used in that case ⇒page 158.
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine
key is used.
14)Depending on the model version
15)Depending on the model version
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Lights and visibility
112Instrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments and
switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning the
thumb wheel ⇒page 111, fig. 77 .
Those vehicles fitted with xenon gas discharge headlights are fitted with an
automatic headlight range system.
Headlight range control
Using the electrical headlight range control, you can adjust the headlight
range to the load level that is being carried in the vehicle. In this way it is
possible to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic more than necessary. At the same
time, the driver has the best possible lighting for the road ahead using the
correct headlight settings.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To lower the beam, turn the thumb wh eel down from the basic setting 0.
Hazard warning lights


The hazard warning lights are used to draw the attention of
other road users to your vehicle in emergencies.
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒ .
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear, and for an automatic move the selector lever to P .
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users
to your vehicle.
A1A1
A2
A2A2
Fig. 78 Detail of the dash
panel: Hazard warning
light switch
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Seats and stowage135
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Other stowage areasOther stowage areas can be found:•
in the centre console,
•
in the door trims (front and rear),
•
in the side trims of the luggage compartment,
•
in the spare wheel recess in the luggage compartment (only on vehicles
with an optional anti-puncture kit*.
The clothes hooks are located on the rear roof handles.
WARNING
•
Do not store loose objects on the dashboard. These objects could be
flung through the passenger compartment when the vehicle is moving (e.g.
while accelerating, braking or cornerin g) and distract the driver. Risk of
accident.
•
Ensure that no objects can fall from the centre console or other stowage
areas into the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. In the event of a
sudden braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to use the brake, clutch or
accelerator. Risk of accident.
•
Clothing hung on the coat hooks must not restrict the driver's view.
Risk of accident. The coat hooks are intended only for use with light arti-
cles of clothing. Do not leave any ha rd, sharp or heavy objects in hanging
articles of clothing. During sudden braking manoeuvres or accidents, espe-
cially those involving airbag deployment, these objects could injure the
vehicle occupants.
Drinks holders at the frontIn the centre console, in front of the gear lever, there are two drink holders
⇒ fig. 107 .
WARNING
•
Never place hot drinks in the drink holders. During normal or sudden
driving manoeuvres, sudden braking or an accident, the hot dr ink could be
spilled. Danger of scalding.
•
Never use rigid materials (for example, glass or ceramic), these could
cause injury in the case of an accident.
Fig. 107 Front drink
holder
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Driving
160Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary load on the battery, do not use any other major elec-
trical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp ⇒page 80 goes out.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start the engine afte r refuelling with diesel fuel. This is
because the system must eliminate air first.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon mono xide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should av oid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-
tions ⇒page 249, “Jump-starting”.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary.
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching off the engine– Stopping the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 157, fig. 131 .After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched of f. It is also possible that it will turn
itself on once more if the temperature of the coolant increases due to the
elimination of built up heat in the engine compartment or if this is heated due
to prolonged exposure to the heat of the sun.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. You will need
more strength to brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. As you
cannot brake in the normal manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and
serious injury.
•
The steering lock can engage immediately when the key is removed
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.
A0
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Driving163
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Selecting the sport program
– Move the lever to position S .If you have selected the normal driving programme D, you will drive in a more
economical driving mode. This program selects a higher gear earlier rather
than remain in a lower gear.
If you select the sport programme, S, the program is designed for a sports
mode, that is, a programme which changes up at higher engine speeds to use
the full power of the engine. This program is not recommended for use on the
highway or in the city.Selector lever locking
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being engaged
inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.
Releasing the selector lever lock
–Start the vehicle.
– Press and release the brake pedal, at the same time press the button on the knob.The lock is only activated when the vehicle is stopped or at a speed of less
than 5 km/h. At higher speeds, the lock is automatically released in position
N.
For rapid changes of position (e.g. from R to D) the lever will not lock. If the
lever remains in the position N more than one second then it is locked. With
the automatic lock, the lever is prevented passing from P and N to any other
gear without first pressing the brake pedal.
The selector lever must be put in the position P in order to remove the key.
Fig. 136 Deactivating the
lock
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