2007 Seat Altea ABS

Cockpit79
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Traction 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
off after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while driving, 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 179,
“Brakes”.Soot accumulation in the dies el engine particulate filter*

The warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on.
If the symbol
 lights, soot has built up in the diesel engine particulate filter
due to continuous short trips. In this case, drive the vehicle at a constant
speed of at least 60 km/h (with an engine speed of about 1400 rpm) for
about 10 minutes. The increase in temperature generated may burn the accu-
mulated soot in the filter. Once this is done, the symbol should disappear.
If the symbol  is not deactivated, bring the vehicle to a specialized work-
shop to repair the fault.
For more information on the diesel particulate filter ⇒page 185.
WARNING
•
The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact 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 refuelled
using biodiesel (RME), given that the fuel system may be damaged.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, th e 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.
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Cockpit
80Tyre pressure*

The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and uses this informa-
tion to compare 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
⇒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 tyre 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 braking. 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.
Fig. 48 Centre console:
tyre monitor system
button
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Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine management


This warning lamp monitors th e 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 has started running.
If a fault develops in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
Glow plug system / Engine fault


The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating. 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 nearest qualified workshop to have the
engine checked.
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display
14): EXHAUST
FUMES GO TO 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 text is displayed in the instrument panel display: EXHAUST
FUMES GO TO 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.
14)Depending on the model version
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Cockpit
82•
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 after 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.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 off 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 light 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 181.
Brake 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 information text displayed in the instrument panel display is
15): 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.
15)Depending on the model version
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Lights and visibility115
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
7. Always take the vehicle key wi th you when you leave the vehicle.You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for
instance when:•
reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•
there is an emergency
•
your vehicle breaks down due to a technical defect
•
you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. That is that the two turn signal indicator lamps
  and the
indicator lamp in the switch
 will flash at the same time. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
Switching on hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lights come on automatically in the event of sharp
braking at speeds of over 60 Km/h or if the ABS is activated for any length of
time, in order to warn vehicles followin g behind. If the vehicle accelerates or
continues to travel at over 40 Km/h, the hazard warning lights are automati-
cally switched off.
WARNING
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
•
Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!Note
•
The battery will run down if the hazard warning lights are left on for a long
time, even if the ignition is switched off.
•
The use of the hazard warning lights de scribed here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒fig. 77 to indicate right, and
all the way down to indicate left.
Fig. 77 Turn signal and
main beam headlight
lever
A1
A2
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Driving
160•
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest ⇒ page 159,
fig. 130. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•
If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The
Authorised Service Centre will help you decide if special specific modifica-
tions are necessary.
•
If you adjust the steering wheel so tha t it points towards your face, the
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steer ing wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock positi on, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases,
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP ) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control syst em (TCS). The ESP function works in
conjunction with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
In specific circumstances where you require less traction, you can switch off
the ESP by pressing button ⇒fig. 131 .
For example:•
when driving with snow chains,
•
when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 131 Detail of the
centre console: ESP
button

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Intelligent technology179
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Tips and MaintenanceIntelligent technologyBrakesBrake servoThe brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It works
only when the engine is running .
If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle has
to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to
make up for the lack of servo assistance.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so
could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably
as the brake servo does not function.
•
If the brake servo is not functioning, for example if the vehicle is being
towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than
normal.
Brake assist system (BAS)*In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force.
This results in unnecessarily long braking distances. The brake assist system intervenes here, if you press the brake pedal very
quickly, the brake assist system registers an emergency situation. It then very
quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be activated
more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the br
ake pedal. The brake assist system
switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.
WARNING
•
The risk of accident is higher if yo u drive too fast, if you do not keep
your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slippery
or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake assist
system.
•
The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery and
wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! Therefore, it is
essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic conditions.
Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when
driving.
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Intelligent technology
180Anti-lock brake system and traction control
M-ABS (ABS and TCS)Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking
during braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is close
to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel. The
driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake pedal
and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or more
of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has intervened.
In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed so the
ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is
retained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
•
The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•
The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 225.
•
If the running gear or brakes are mo dified, the effectiveness of the ABS
could be severely limited.
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the car is accelerating.Description and operation of the traction control system during acceleration
(TCS)
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the drive wheels of front-wheel
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action.
TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The TCS is switched on automatically when the engine is started. If necessary,
it may be turned on or off pushing the button on the centre console.
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp is lit. The TCS should normally be left
switched on at all times. Only in exceptional circumstances, when slipping of
the wheels is required, should it be disconnected for example•
With compact temporary spare wheel.
•
When using the snow chains.
•
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
•
When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking”.WARNING (continued)
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