Page 190 of 312

Driving and the environment
188•
Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is driven.Caution
Never fully drain the fuel tank, in this case, the irregularity of the fuel supply
may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust unde r some conditions. This depends on
the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be reme-
died by changing to another brand of fuel.Diesel engine particulate filter*
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates soot produced
by burning diesel.The diesel engine dust filter eliminates most of the soot from the exhaust gas
system. Under normal driving conditions, the filter cleans itself. If the driving
conditions do not allow the filter to cle an itself (for example, multiple short
trips) the filter will be obstructed by dust and pollen and the indicator for the
diesel engine particle filter indicator will light. ⇒page 79
WARNING
•
The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into cont act with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.
Caution
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine particulate filter must not be refueled
using biodiesel (RME), given that the fuel system may be damaged.Driving abroadNotesFor driving abroad, the following mu st be taken into consideration:•
For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter ensure that unleaded petrol is
available for the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Automobile organisa-
tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded
fuel.
•
In some countries it is possible that a vehicle model is sold under condi-
tions where some spare parts are not available or that the Authorised Service
Centres may only carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the
technical preparation of your vehicle in addition to necessary maintenance
and repair possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlightsIf you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight
lenses. Further information is available from your Authorised Service Centre.
altea_xl ingles.book Seite 188 Donnerstag, 12. April 2007 12:56 12
WARNING (continued)
Page 191 of 312
Driving and the environment189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
In vehicles with self-directing headlights, the rotation system must previ-
ously be disconnected. To do this please go to a specialist workshop.
Adjusting headlights for driving on the left
On the right hand side headlight, if
you are changing from driving on the
right-hand side to the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 152.
On the left hand side headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-
hand side to the right -hand side ⇒ fig. 153.
Fig. 152 Right headlightFig. 153 Left headlight
altea_xl ingles.book Seite 189 Donnerstag, 12. April 2007 12:56 12
Page 192 of 312
Driving and the environment
190Covering headlights for driving on the rightOn the right headlight, if you are chan ging from driving on the left-hand side
to the right-hand side. On the left headlight, if you are changi
ng from driving on the left-hand side to
the right-hand side.
Covering simple headlights for driving on the right
Fig. 154 Right headlightFig. 155 Left headlight
Fig. 156 Right headlightFig. 157 Left headlight
altea_xl ingles.book Seite 190 Donnerstag, 12. April 2007 12:56 12
Page 193 of 312

Driving and the environment191
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.
Adjustments for Bixenon headlights for driving on the left
On the right hand side headlight, if
you are changing from driving on the
right-hand side to the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 158.
On the left hand side headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-
hand side to the right-hand side ⇒fig. 159 .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. If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
⇒ page 206.
Fig. 158 Right headlight
Fig. 159 Left headlight
altea_xl ingles.book Seite 191 Donnerstag, 12. April 2007 12:56 12
Page 222 of 312

Checking and refilling levels
220The coolant additive G 12+ (dyed purple) may be mixed with G 12 (dyed red)
and also with G 11.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 211
•
When the engine is warm or hot, th e cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion t ank when the engine is hot. This is
a burn injury risk.Caution
•
When mixed with other additives the colour of G 12 will change to brown.
If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately. Failure to do
so will result in engine damage!
•
If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. This avoids damaging the engine. Large coolant
losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a specialised
workshop immediately and have the cooling system checked. Otherwise,
there is a risk of engine damage.
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.
Fig. 169 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
altea_xl ingles.book Seite 220 Donnerstag, 12. April 2007 12:56 12
Page 256 of 312

If and when
254Position in engine compartment: Side boxFuses
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
Please note that the above list, while corr ect at the time of printing, is subject
to alterations.Bulb changeGeneral notesBefore changing any bulb, first turn off the equipment concerned.
Do not touch the bulb glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a
reduction in the bulb life and conden sation on the mirror surface, thus
reducing efficiency. A bulb should only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is inscribed
on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
It is highly recommended to keep a box of spare bulbs in the vehicle. At the
very least, the bulbs that most affect
road safety should have spares in the
vehicle.
Main headlights
Dipped beam - H7
Main beam - H1
Position - W5W
Turn signals - PY21W
Number
Electrical equipment Amperes
B1 Alternator < 140 W
150
Alternator > 140 W 200
C1 Power steering 80
D1 Multi-terminal voltage supply “30”. Internal fuse box 100
E1 Ventilator > 500 W / Ventilator < 500 W 80/50
F1 PTCs (Supplementary electrical heating using air) 80
G1 PTC (Supplementary electrical heating using air) 40
H1 Central locking control unit (4F8 with autolock)
altea_xl ingles.book Seite 254 Donnerstag, 12. April 2007 12:56 12
Page 257 of 312

If and when255
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Xenon headlights
23)/self-directing
Dipped and full beam - D1S
24)
Flashes and extra full beam - H1
Position - W5W
Turn signals - PY21W
Fog lights
Fog lights - H3
Fixed rear light
Stop/Position - P21W
25)
Turn signals - P21W
Rear tailgate light unit
Fog light (driver's side) - P21W
Reverse (passenger's side) - P21W
Position - W5W
Side indicator
Side indicator - W5W
Registration plate light
Registration plate light - C5W
Note
•
Due to the difficulty in accessing the lamps, any replacement work should
be done by a SEAT dealer. However, the following is a description of how to
change the bulbs except for the fog lights and interior bulbs.
Main headlight lamps
Turn signals
Dipped headlights
Main beam headlights
Side lights
23)On this type of headlight, the bulb changes must be made by the SEAT dealer, given
that complex elements must be removed from the vehicle and a reset must be made
on the automatic control system incorporated.24)The Xenon bulbs discharge 2.5 times the light flux and have an average lifespan of 5
times more than that of halogen bulbs, this means that, except due to unusual circum-
stances, there is no need to change the bulbs for the whole life of the vehicle.25)Electronically controlled single filament bulb for Stop/side bulbs. If the bulb blows it
will not work in either position or Stop.
Fig. 186 Main headlight
lamps
AAABACAD
altea_xl ingles.book Seite 255 Donnerstag, 12. April 2007 12:56 12
Page 259 of 312
If and when257
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– Remove the loops ⇒page 256, fig. 188 in the direction of
the arrow and remove the cover.
– Remove the connector ⇒page 256, fig. 189 from the bulb.
– Disengage the retainer spring ⇒ page 256, fig. 189 pressing
inwards and to the right.
– Extract the bulb and fit the replacement so that the rim of the attachment plate is on the reflector cut-out.Full beam lights
– Raise the bonnet
– Remove the cover ⇒fig. 190 by pulling on this.
– Remove the connector ⇒fig. 191 from the bulb.
– Press the spring ⇒fig. 191 inwards and to the right.
– Extract the bulb and fit the replacement so that it sits correctly into the cut-out on the reflector.
– Installation is done in the reverse order.
A1
A2
A3
Fig. 190 Main beam
headlights
Fig. 191 Main beam
headlights
AC
A1
A2
altea_xl ingles.book Seite 257 Donnerstag, 12. April 2007 12:56 12