
Lights and visibility
112•
If the coming home* feature is activated, the acoustic signal for the
dipped beam headlights will not sound, it will sound if the position lights are
activated.
•
The rear fog light is so bright that it can dazzle drivers behind you. You
should use the rear fog light only when visibility is very poor.
•
If you are towing a trailer equipped with a rear fog light on a vehicle with
a factory-fitted towing bracket, the rear fog light on the car will automatically
be switched off.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements.
Automatic lightingActivation
– Rotate the switch to the position “Auto”, this indication will light up.
When the switch is in this position, as soon as visibility conditions are
reduced, the lights are automaticall y activated. The indication “Auto”,
changes to red.
Automatic lighting
If the automatic headlight control is switched on, dipped headlights are auto-
matically switched on by a light-sensitive sensor if you drive into a tunnel, for
example.
The rain function switches on the headlights if the continuous wipe function
is switched on for longer than 5 seconds. The dipped beam headlights are
switched off if the continuous wipe or the intermittent wipe functions are
switched off for longer than 255 seconds .
WARNING
•
If automatic headlight control is switched on, the headlights will not be
switched on in fog or heavy rain. Therefore, the dipped beam must be
switched on.Note
•
For those vehicles with the automatic headlight system, when the key is
removed from the ignition, the acoustic signal will only sound if the light
control is in the position
or if the vehicle is not fitted with the coming
home function.
•
If the daylight driving automatic light function is switched on, the fog
lights or rear fog light cannot be switched on in addition.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements.
•
Do not put stickers on the windscreen in front of the sensor. This may
cause disruptions or faults in the automatic lighting system.
Fig. 74 Automatic
lighting
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Lights and visibility
116
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance and then release the lever. The turn signal will flash
several times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash.
Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position
.
– Press the lever forward ⇒page 115, fig. 77 to switch on the
main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head- lights off again.
Headlight flasher
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch off the ignition and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-hand parking lights respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
•
The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp
or flashes in the combi-instrument. The
warning lamp
flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a
trailer is correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb
is defective, the warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn
signal bulbs are damaged, warning lamp
does not light up. You should
have the bulb replaced.
•
The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The warning lamp
then comes on in the combi-
instrument.
•
The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever – even if
no other lights are switch ed on. The warning lamp
then comes on in the
combi-instrument.
•
When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the rear light
on the corresponding side of the vehicle light up. The parking lights will only
work if the key is removed from the igni tion. If the lights are switched on, a
buzzer gives an audible warning while the driver door is open.
•
If the turn signal lever is left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, an acoustic signal sounds when the driver door is opened. This
is a reminder to switch off the turn signal, unless of course you wish to leave
the parking light on.
A1
A2
A3
A4
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Seats and stowage
134Centre arm rest at front with stowage area
There is a stowage area in the armrest.– To open the stowage area, lift the armrest up in the direction of
the arrow ⇒fig. 100 and then lift the cover.
– To access the CD loader* or the lower stowage area, pull on the armrest cover without pressing on the button.
– To close the stowage area, push the armrest down.
WARNING
Always keep the stowage area closed while the vehicle is in motion to
reduce the risk of injury from the armrest during a sudden braking
manoeuvre or in the event of an accident.
Note
The CD changer is located in this compartment.Stowage areas under the front seats
There is a stowage locker with a cover under each front seat.The drawer* ⇒fig. 101 is opened by pushing the button and putting the
cover back.
There are two open positions of 15 and 60 degrees depending on the pres-
sure applied to the cover. In the 60 degree position, the cover will collapse if
too much pressure is applied.
To close the drawer, press the cover until it locks into position.
Fig. 100 Front armrest
with stowage area
Fig. 101 Stowage area
under the front seats
AA
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Seats and stowage141
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Opening
– Lift the cover , in area ⇒ page 140, fig. 111.
Closing
– Push the cover down, until it clips into place.Uses of the mobile stowage compartment•
The front open glove box may be used to store small objects that will not
damage passengers in the event that the objects are flung around the interior
of the vehicle.
•
The drink holders are used for holding drink cans or cups .
•
The elastic belt on the side may be used for keeping papers and maga-
zines.
•
The tables may be used as a support for writing.
To use the table ⇒ page 140, fig. 112, it must be removed from its
compartment on the side of the mobile stowage compartment and fitted into
compartment ⇒page 140, fig. 112 on the front section of the mobile
stowage compartment.
The table in the right-hand compartment is fitted in the left-hand compart-
ment of the front of the mobile stowage compartment and the table in the left-
hand compartment is fitted in the right-hand compartment.
The tables have two positions for use and cannot be interchanged.
WARNING
•
The mobile stowage compartment supports a maximum load of 5 kg. Do
not overload.
•
Do not drive when the cover of the mobile stowage compartment is
open.
•
Do not drive when the tables are set up for use.
•
When the vehicle is moving, keep the tables stored inside the mobile
stowage compartment with the cover closed, and likewise when they are
not in use
•
Never place hot drinks in the drin k holders. The drink may spill and
cause burns when the vehicle is moving.
•
Do not leave cans in the drink holder when the vehicle is in motion,
there is a danger that the can may be flung around the vehicle and cause
injury.
•
Make sure that the mounting plate is correctly clipped onto the cushion
frame.
•
When the plate is not in use, store inside the stowage compartment.
•
When the mobile stowage compartment is not in use, it should always
be fastened by the retaining net in the luggage compartment.Note
•
Check that the mobile stowage compartment is correctly fitted, pulling it
forwards by the front glove box and checking that both safety clips are
correctly clipped onto the rings.
AB
AA
AC
AD
WARNING (continued)
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Seats and stowage
146Luggage compartmentStowing luggage
All luggage must be securely stowed.Please observe the following points to ensure the vehicle handles
well at all times:
– Distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment
as possible.
– Secure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable straps on the fastening rings.
WARNING
•
Loose luggage and other loose items in the vehicle can cause serious
injuries.
•
Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly move and
change the way the vehicle handles.
•
During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects in the
passenger compartment can be flung forward, injuring vehicle occupants.
•
Always store objects in the luggage compartment and secure with suit-
able straps. This is especially important for heavy objects.
•
When you transport heavy objects, always keep in mind that a change
in the centre of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle handling.
•
Please observe information on safe driving ⇒page 7, “Safe driving”.
Caution
Hard objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating
element in the rear window and cause damage.
Note
The ventilation slots in front of the rear side windows must not be covered as
this would prevent stale air being extracted from the vehicle.
altea_ingles_0706.book Seite 146 Mittwoch, 30. August 2006 3:48 15

Seats and stowage
148tion manual. Not following these instructions may lead to paintwork damage
or marks on the bodywork.•
Pay special attention to the tightening torque of the attachment bolts and
check them following a short journey. If necessary, retighten the bolts and
check them at regular intervals.
•
Distribute the load evenly. A maximum load of 40 kg only is permitted for
each roof carrier system support bar, the load must be distributed evenly over
the entire length. However, the maximu m load permitted for the entire roof
(including the support system) of 75 kg must not be exceeded nor should the
total weight of the vehicle be exceeded. See the chapter on “Technical Data”.
•
When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof, any change in the
normal vehicle behaviour due to a change in the centre of gravity or an
increased wind resistance must be taken into account. For this reason, a suit-
able speed and driving style must be used.
•
For those vehicles fitted with a sunroof*, ensure that it does not interfere
with the load on the roof carrier system when opened.
altea_ingles_0706.book Seite 148 Mittwoch, 30. August 2006 3:48 15

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
156
– Press the temperature selectors to set the desired temperatures
for the left and right sides of the interior. We recommend 22°C
(72°F).A comfortable interior climate is quickly reached when a temperature of
+22°C (72°F) is set in automatic mode. It can be changed as necessary to suit
individual preferences or particular ci rcumstances. It is possible to select
interior temperatures from +16°C (61°F) to +29.5°C (86°F). These are approx-
imate temperatures and the actual temperature may be slightly higher or
lower depending on the ambient conditions. Climatronic automatically maintains a constant temperature. The tempera-
ture of the air supplied to the interior, the blower speed and the air distribu-
tion are regulated automatically. The system also allows for the effect of
strong sunlight, so there is no need
for manual adjustment. Therefore, auto-
matic mode provides the best comfort for the vehicle occupants in virtually all
conditions throughout the year.
Automatic mode is switched off whenever an adjustment is made using the
buttons for the air distribution, airflow or . The temperature will
continue to be regulated within the parameters manually selected by the
user.Manual mode
In manual mode you can adjust the air temper ature, airflow and distribution as required.Switching on manual mode
– To enter manual mode, press one of the buttons ⇒fig. 128 to , or press the airflow control . The symbol will
disappear from the display.
ECON
Fig. 128 On the dash panel: 2C Climatronic controls
A3
A5
ECON
A10
AUTO
altea_ingles_0706.book Seite 156 Mittwoch, 30. August 2006 3:48 15

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
158General notesThe pollen filter
The pollution filter (a combined pa rticulate filter and activated carbon filter)
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and
pollen.
For the air conditioning system to work with maximum efficiency, the pollen
filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high
levels of air pollution, the pollen filte r must be changed more frequently than
stated in the Service Schedule.
Caution
•
If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch off the air condi-
tioner with button to prevent further damage and have it checked by a
qualified workshop.
•
Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and
special tools. Therefore, we recommend that you take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop should problems occur.Note
•
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensa-
tion can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle, this is completely normal and there is no need to suspect
a leak.
•
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and
leaves to ensure heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the
windows misting over.
•
The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and is
extracted by slots designed for this purpose. Do not cover these slots with
articles of clothing or other objects.
•
The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows
and the sliding/tilting roof* closed. Howe ver, if the sun has heated up the
vehicle, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the windows for
a short period.
•
Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the
air conditioning system leaves a r esidue on the evaporator, producing a
permanent unpleasant odour.
•
The air conditioning should be turned on at least once a month, to lubri-
cate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to
check the system.
ECON
altea_ingles_0706.book Seite 158 Mittwoch, 30. August 2006 3:48 15