2005 Seat Altea warning lights

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
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Cockpit
78Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThe warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should turn
out after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while drivi ng, the warning lamp flashes. If the
system is deactivated or if there is any fault in the same, the warning lamp will
remain lit.
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the TCS oper-
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information see ⇒page 173Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particle filter *

if the symbol
 lights, soot has built up in the diesel engine particle filter
due to continuous short trips. In this case, drive the vehicle at a constant
speed of at least 60 km/h (with and engine speed of about 1400 rpm) for
about 10 minutes. The increase in temperature generated may burn the accu-
mulated soot in the filter.
If the symbol  is not deactivated, bring the vehicle to a specialized work-
shop to repair the fault.
For more information on the diesel particle filter ⇒page 200
Alternator

This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.The warning lamp
 lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go
out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest qualified
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessary
because this will drain the battery.
If the indicator flashes the voltage is insufficient for normal vehicle
operation.
Tyre pressure*

Fig. 48 Centre console:
tyre monitor system
button
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Cockpit79
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The tyre monitor indicator compares wh
eel revolutions and with this informa-
tion, the diameter of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the diameter of a
wheel changes, the tyre monitor indicator lights
. The wheel diameter
changes when:
•
Tyre pressure is insufficient.
•
The tyre structure is damaged.
•
The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
•
The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving with
a trailer or on extreme slopes).
•
The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
•
The emergency wheel is fitted.
•
The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels,
the button ⇒ page 78, fig. 48 must be kept pressed while the ignition is on
until an acoustic signal is heard.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor
system button is pressed the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator
 lights
If the tyre pressure of one wheel is much lower than the value set by the
driver, then the indicator lights. ⇒
The tyre pressure monitor indicator  flashes
If the tyre pressure indicator flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the nearest
specialist workshop.
WARNING
•
When the tyre pressure indicator lights, reduce speed immediately and
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or brakin g. Stop when possible, and check
the tyre pressure and status.
•
The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre
pressure must be regularly checked.
•
Under certain circumstances (for example, in a sports situation, in
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or
function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow indicator
 lights after turning the
ignition on. This should turn off after a brief trip.
Engine management

This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.The warning lamp
 (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
when the engine ha s started running.
If a fault develops in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up . Take the vehicle to an Authorised
Service Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
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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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Opening and closing95
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Central locking button
The vehicle can be locked and unlocked from the inside using
the central locking button.Locking the vehicle
– Press the button ⇒ .
Unlocking the doors
– Press the button .The central locking button is still operative when the ignition is switched off.
Except, if the "safe" security system is activated.
Please note the following when you use the central locking button to lock your
vehicle:•
It will not be possible to open the doors or the tailgate from the outside
(this may offer extra safety, for instance when stopped at traffic lights).
•
The driver's door cannot be locked if it is open. This prevents you from
locking yourself out of the vehicle.
•
Repeated operation of the central locking will deactivate the central
locking button for 30 seconds. Once this time has passed, the button may be
used once more.
•
There is a danger that the key may remain inside the vehicle, if the vehicle
is locked using the central locking button when the driver's door is closed
and, for example, the passenger door op en. If this door is closed, then the
keys will remain inside the vehicle.
•
All doors may be locked separately from inside the car. Do this by pulling
the door release lever once.
WARNING
•
If the vehicle is locked, children and disabled people may be trapped
inside.
•
The central locking button is not operative in the following cases.
•
When the vehicle is locked from th e outside (using the remote or the
key).
•
While the ignition is not activated after unlocking the door lock cylinder
with the key.Note
•
Vehicle locked, button amber colour
•
Vehicle unlocked, button red
Fig. 60 Detail of rear left
door central locking
button


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Opening and closing101
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Opening the doors mechanically (emergency opening)
If the remote control functi
on fails, you will have to use the key to unlock the
car. This is done as follows:
•
Unfold the key by pressing the button (arrow).
•
Use the lock on the driver door to unlock the vehicle. The anti-theft alarm
system remains active, but an alarm is not triggered immediately.
•
Switch on the ignition within 15 secon ds. When the ignition is switched
on, the electronic immobiliser recognises a valid vehicle key and deactivates
the anti-theft alarm system. If you do not switch on the ignition within 15
seconds, the alarm is triggered.
How is the alarm switched off?
When the vehicle is unlocked via the unlocking button of the remote control
or when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.Note
•
If, after the alarm goes off, access is gained to a second secured zone
(e.g. the tailgate is opened after a door has been opened), the warning signal
is triggered again.
•
Vehicle monitoring remains active even if the battery is disconnected or
not working for any reason.
•
The alarm is triggered immediately if one of the battery cables is discon-
nected while the alarm system is active.
Interior monitoring system*Deactivating interior monitor
– Open the driver's door and press the button to deactivate the interior monitoring system. A lamp in the button lights up.
– Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds. The interior monitoring system will be switched off unti l the next time the vehicle is
locked.The interior monitoring system will be switched on automatically with the
anti-theft alarm. All of the doors and the tailgate must be closed to activate
the sensor of the interior monitoring system.
The interior monitor should be switched off, if for example animals are briefly
left in the locked vehicle. Their movements could otherwise trigger an alarm.
Fig. 67 Button for deacti-
vating the interior moni-
toring system
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