2005 Seat Altea Safe

ForewordThis owner's manual and the corresponding supplements should be read carefully to familiarise yourself quickly
with your vehicle.
Also, the regular care and maintenance and correct handling of the vehicle will contribute to the conservation of
its value.
For safety reasons, note the information concerning accessories, modifications and parts exchange.
If selling the vehicle, give all of the onboard document ation to the new owner because as this belongs with the
vehicle.
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Contents3
ContentsThe structure of this manual
. . . . .
Content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety First
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital display in the instrument panel . . . . . . .
Instrument panel menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using these instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel lighting controls . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opening and closing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and stowage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system (CCS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips and Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-ABS
(ABS and TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)* . . . . . . .
Driving and the environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Catalytic converter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
6
7
7
7
10
16
17
19
19
21
24
28
30
30
34
37
41
44
46
46
48
50 55
55
55
56
59
65
71
83
83
83
87
90
91
91
97
98
100
102
104
106
109
109
115
117
118
122
125
125
126
128
129
131 139
141
142
145
145
147
150
154
155
155
156
157
158
161
162
166
167
169
173
173
173
174
175
177
177
178
179
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The structure of this manual5
The structure of this manualBefore reading this manual it must be understoodThis manual describes the vehicle equipment at the time of publication.
Some of the equipment described here will not be available until a later date,
or is available only in certain markets.
Because this is a general manual for the ALTEA, some of the equipment a nd
functions that are described in this manual are not included in all types or
variants of the model; they may vary or be modified depending on the tech-
nical requirements and on the market; this is in no way deceptive adver-
tising.
Illustrations are intended as a general guide, and may vary from the equip-
ment fitted in your vehicle in some details.
The direction indications (left, right, front, rear) appearing in this manual
refer to the normal forward working di rection of the vehicle except when
otherwise indicated.
The equipment marked with an asterisk * comes in series only in determined
model versions, are supplied as optional only for some versions, or are only
offered in different countries.
® All registered marks are indicated with ®. Even if the copyright symbol
does not appear this does not mean that the mark is not copyrighted.
The section is continued on the following page.

Indicates the end of a section .WARNING
Texts with this symbol contain safety information. They warn you of serious
dangers, possibly involving accident or injury.
Caution
Texts with this symbol draw your attention to a possible risk of damage to
your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Texts with this symbol refer to points relevant to the protection of the environ-
ment.
Note
Texts with this symbol contain additional information of a more general
nature.
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Content
6ContentThis manual is structured to give you the information you need as quickly and
clearly as possible. The contents of t his Manual are grouped into relatively
short sections making up chapters(e.g.“Air conditioning”). The entire
manual is divided into five large parts which are:1. Safety FirstInformation on the vehicle equipment relating to passive safety such as seat
belts, airbags, seats, etc.2. Controls and equipmentInformation about the distribution of co ntrols in the driver position of the
vehicle, about the seat adjustment possibilities, how to create a suitable
climate in the passenger compartment, etc.3. Tips and MaintenanceAdvice relating to driving, care and ma intenance of your vehicle and certain
problems which you may solve yourself.4. Technical DataFigures, data, dimensions and measurements (for example fuel consump-
tion) of your vehicle.5. Alphabetic indexAt the end of this manual there is a detailed alphabetical index, this will help
you to rapidly find the information you require.
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Safe driving7
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Safety FirstSafe drivingBrief introductionDear SEAT Driver
Safety first!This chapter contains important information, advice, suggestions
and warnings that should be read and followed in the interest of
your own safety and the safety of your passengers.
WARNING
•
This manual contains important info rmation concerning the driver's
and passengers' handling of the vehicle. The other booklets in the vehicle
wallet also contain further informatio n which you should be aware of for
your own safety and for the safety of your passengers.
•
Ensure that the complete vehicle wallet is always in the vehicle. This is
especially important when you lend or sell the vehicle to others.
Safety equipment
The safety equipment is a part of the occupant protection
system and can reduce the risk of injury during an accident.Never “gamble” with your safety and the safety of your passengers. In the
event of an accident, the safety equipment could reduce the risk of injury. The
following list includes most of the safety equipment in your SEAT:•
Optimised three-point seat belts,
•
Belt tension limiter for the front and rear seats,
•
belt tension devices for the front seats,
•
belt height adjustment for the front seats,
•
front airbags,
•
side airbags in the front seat backrests.
•
curtain airbags,
•
crash-active front head restraints*,
•
“ISOFIX” anchor points for “ISOFIX” child seats on the outer seats in the
second row,
•
height-adjustable head restraints,
•
head restraints with in-use position and non-use position
•
adjustable steering column.
The safety equipment mentioned above works together to provide you and
your passengers with the best possible protection in accident situations. But
this safety equipment cannot help you or your passengers if you or your
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Safe driving
8passengers assume an incorrect sitting position or do not properly adjust or
use this equipment.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important,
how it protects you, what you have to observe when using it and how you and
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety
equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you and your
passengers should observe in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!Before every trip
The driver bears the responsibility for his passengers and the
operational worthiness of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Ensure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals operate flaw- lessly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the surroundings.
– Securely restrain all parcels ⇒page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly for your size. – Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the
head restraints in the in-use position ⇒page 14
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly applied seat belts ⇒page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers also to assume a proper sitting position. ⇒page 10.
– Always fasten your seat belt correctly before driving off. Instruct your passengers also to fasten their seat belts properly.
⇒page 19.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected, you endanger
yourself as well as others on the road ⇒, for this reason:
– Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic around you, e.g. by passengers or telephone conversations.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medica- tion, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
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Safe driving9
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– Always reduce your speed as appropriate for road, traffic and
weather conditions.
– When travelling long distances, take breaks regularly - at least every two hours.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or are under pres- sure of time.
WARNING
When driving safety is impaired during a trip, the risk of injury and acci-
dents increases.
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Safe driving
10Proper sitting position for occupantsProper sitting position for driver
The proper sitting position for the driver is important for safe
and relaxed driving.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injur y in the event of an
accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the driver:
– Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a distance of at least
25 cm between the steering wheel and the centre of your chest
⇒fig. 1.
– Move the driver's seat forwards or backwards so that you are able to press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals to the floor with
your knees still slightly angled ⇒.
– Ensure that you can reach the highest point of the steering wheel.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same
level as the top of your head ⇒fig. 2.
– Move the backrest to an upright position so that your back rests completely against it.
Fig. 1 The proper
distance between driver
and steering wheel
Fig. 2 Proper head
restraint position for
driver
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