2005 Seat Altea check engine light

Driving and the environment181
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
On the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side
to the right-hand side.
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to
the right-hand side.
Trailer towingWhat do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a
factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. For the posterior fitting of a trailer towing bracket see
⇒ page 196.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin co nnector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available from any Technical Service.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to
the maximum permitted trailer weight , you can then climb correspondingly
steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000m (or part thereof).
The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The
correct figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures
for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents an d
⇒ Section “Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
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Driving and the environment183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving economically and with respect for the
environmentGeneral notes
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving
style.Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and
tyres depend largely on three factors:•
Personal driving style
•
Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•
Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving styl e and anticipating the traffic situation
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing
your operating costs at the same time.
Think ahead when drivingA vehicle uses most fuel when accelera ting. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let
the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Regular servicingBy taking your car to an Authorised Se rvice Centre for regular servicing you
can establish a basis for good fuel economy before you start driving. A well-
serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as
maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Check the oil level every time you fill the tank ⇒page 206. Oil consumption
depends to a great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending
on your personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000
km.Avoid short journeysThe engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working
temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
Fig. 148 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km at
two different ambient
temperatures
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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)
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Checking and refilling levels211
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesTopping up washer fluid

The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be
mixed with washer fluid.The windscreen washer and the headlight washing system are supplied with
fluid from the windscreen washer flui d container in the engine compartment.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid.
Approved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartm ent, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 201Caution
•
Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.
•
Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per
instructions. If you use other washer fl uids or soap solutions, the tiny aper-
tures in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Fig. 157 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
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Checking and refilling levels
214If this is not sufficient, refer to a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•
Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
•
The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•
A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the window.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage.
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the coolant expansion tank is shown in the corresponding
engine compartment diagram ⇒page 260. The brake fluid reservoir has a
black and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear.
Fig. 161 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
216BatteryWarnings on handling the battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:•
Wear eye protection. Protect your ey es, skin and clothing from acid and
particles containing lead.
•
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
•
Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoki ng are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electrostatic charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.
•
Keep children away from acid and batteries.
•
Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The minus cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bu lb is changed, you need only switch
off the light.
•
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alar m will otherwise be triggered.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
disconnect first the negative ca ble and then the positive cable.
•
Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
•
Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0
°C.
•
Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
•
Never use a defective battery. This may be fatally explosive. Replace a
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the elec trical system or electronic compo-
nents.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time , as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.

Wear eye protection

Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protec-
tive gloves and eye protection!

Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the
battery is under charge.

Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING (continued)
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If and when
234
Fuse cover underneath the steering wheel
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 235.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover, fit it onto the
blown fuse and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal strip) with a new fuse of the same ampere rating.
Fuse cover in engine compartment
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Prise off the fuse cover in the engine compartment by pressing the tabs towards the centre of the cover ⇒page 233, fig. 172 .
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 235.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover (at left-hand end of the dash panel), fit it onto the blown fuse and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal strip) with a new fuse of the same ampere rating.
– Carefully fit the fuse cover back on to ensure no water can enter
the fuse box.The individual electrical circuits are pr otected by fuses. The fuses are located
behind a cover at the left-hand end of the dash panel and on the left-hand
side of the engine compartment.
The electric windows are protected by circuit breakers. These reset automat-
ically after a few seconds when the overload (caused for example by frozen
windows) has been corrected. Colour coding of fuses
WARNING
Never “repair” damaged fuses and neve
r replace them with fuses with a
higher rating. Failure to comply could result in fire. This could also cause
damage to other parts of the electrical system.
Note
•
If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical
system must be checked by a qualifi ed workshop as soon as possible.
•
If you replace a fuse with a stronger fuse, you could cause damage to
another location in th e electrical system.
•
Always keep some spare fuses in the vehicle. These are available from
official Service. Colour
Amperes
light brown 5
red 10
blue 15
yellow 20
natural (white) 25
green 30
orange 40
red 50
white 80
blue 100
grey 150
violet 200
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Index
276Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114, 157CCar care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Car care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Car phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Car washes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
CD changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Automatic speed dependent locking and un-locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Emergency unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Locking system for invo luntary unlocking . . 93
Selective unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Central locking button Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Centre arm rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Changing gear See Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Changing the lamps Main headlight lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Changing the main headlight lamps
dipped beam lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
main beam lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
turn signal lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Changing the rear lights indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . . 247
rear fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
reverse light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Changing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . 212
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 217
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Cigarette lighter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Cleaning alloy wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle . . . . . . . . 185
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Cleaning cloth seat covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Cleaning dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Cleaning fabric trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Cleaning leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Cleaning plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Cleaning seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Cleaning steel wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Cleaning wooden trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Climatronic
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Clothes hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Control Light switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Control lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Controls Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Convenience closing Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Convenience opening Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 monitor indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Coolant level warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
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