2006 Seat Altea coolant temperature

Driving and the environment
184
Note•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may
be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing
injury.
Note
•
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Sele ct a low gear in good time before
going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle.
Heating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running fast in a low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 55.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
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Checking and refilling levels203
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 205.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 196. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a
hazardous area ⇒
.
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Checking and refilling levels
204
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 252. 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)
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Checking and refilling levels
206•
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 203 .
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 once 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
The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme
cold.
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
CoolantCoolant specifications
Coolant is a mixture of water and at least 40% coolant addi-
tive.The cooling system must be filled with a mixture of water and at least 40 % of
our coolant additive G 12+ or an additive with the specification TT-VW 774 F
(it is dyed purple). This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to
-25
°C and protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. It
also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
The concentration of coolant must always be at least 40% - even if frost
protection is not required.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
the antifreeze additive G 12+ can be increased. However, the percentage of
coolant additives should not exceed 60%, as this would reduce the frost
protection. It would also reduce the cooling effect. A mixture with 60%
coolant additive will give frost protection to approx. -40
°C.
WARNING
•
The coolant additive is toxic. This represents a toxic danger. Always
keep the coolant additive in the original container which should be stored
out of the reach of children. The same applies to coolant which you have
drained off.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ must be added in sufficient quantities to
provide anti-freeze protection at the coldest ambient temperatures that
can be expected. At extremely cold ambient temperatures, the coolant
could freeze, causing the vehicle to br eakdown. As the heater would also
not work in this situation, there is a risk of suffering exposure!
Caution
•
Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The
resulting corrosion in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant,
causing serious damage to the engine.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ (purple) can be mixed with the additive G 12
(red) or G 11. Never mix G12 (red colour) with G 11.
Checking the coolant level and topping up

The correct coolant level is important for fault-free func-
tioning of the engine cooling system.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 203 .
Fig. 156 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
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Index279
Coolant Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Coolant temperature
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Cruise control* Turning off the cruise control system . . . . . 174
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42DDanger of fitting a child seat on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Diesel engine Winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Differential lock fault (EDL) warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Dipped headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Disabling front passenger airbag Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Disabling the airbag Disabling front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . 44
Display (without warning or information texts) . 59Displays in the Mult
i-function display
Memory displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Door lock cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Door release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Doors Childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Drawer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Drinks holders at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Drive wheels traction control system . . . . . . . . 176
Driving Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
With a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Driving economically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Driving programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Driving safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Driving with an automati c gearbox / DSG automatic
gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Driving with respect for the environment . . . . . 185
Duplicate keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Dust filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Dynamic headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . 113
EEDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
EDS Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Electric steering system
warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Electrical sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Electronic differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81, 160 warning message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Electronic stabilisation program . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Electronic stabilisation programme . . . . . . . . . . 80 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
emergency manual locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Emergency opening Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Emission control system warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Engine Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Engine compartment Working in the engine compartment . . . . . 203
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Engine fault Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Engine management Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Checking level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
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Index
282Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Parking lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Parts replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Trips to foreign countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Petrol additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Petrol engines, starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Physical principles of a frontal collision . . . . . . 21
Plastic key tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Pollen filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Pollution filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156RRadio frequency remote control Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Radio navigation St eering wheel controls
audio + telephone version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
audio version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Radio wave remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Rain sensor* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Rear drink holder* Armrest* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Rear fog light Indication lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Rear interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Rear reading lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Rear shelf
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Rear window heating Heating element wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Rear window wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Registration light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Remote control key Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Synchronising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Removing and fitting the wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Repairs Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Replacement keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Reverse gear Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
RME fuel (biodiesel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Roll-back function Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Roof carrier* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Running in
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Running in tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
SSafe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety instructions Coolant temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Safety notes Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Disabling front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . 45
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Using seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Safety system- safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127, 130, 131
Seat belt position Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belt release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Seat belt warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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