
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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Lights and visibility
124Headlight washer system
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses.The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen
washer is used and the windscreen wiper lever is pulled towards the steering
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped headlights or main
beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the head-
lights at regular intervals, for in stance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
•
To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer
spray.
•
To remove water, the windscreen wiper s will be activated from time to
time, the headlight wipers will be activated every three cycles.
MirrorsInterior mirror
It is dangerous to drive if you cannot see clearly through the
rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at the bottom edge of the mirror should
be at the front. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function.
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on and off
as desired.Switching off anti-dazzle function
– Press button ⇒fig. 88 . Warning lamp goes out.
Switching on anti-dazzle function
– Press button ⇒fig. 88 . Warning lamp is lit.Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on.
The green indicator lamp ligh ts up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is acti vated the interior mirror will darken auto-
matically according to the amount of light it receives (for example from the
headlights of a vehicle behind). The anti-dazzle function is cancelled if
reverse gear is engaged.
Fig. 88 Automatic anti-
dazzle interior mirror.
AA
AB
AA
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Lights and visibility
126
2. Turn the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle. The right exterior mirror will
be adjusted at the same time (synchronised).
WARNING
•
The rear view convex or aspheric mirror increase the field of vision
however the objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors. If you
use these mirrors to estimate the distance to vehicles behind you when
changing lane, you could make a mistake. Risk of accident.
•
If possible, use the interior mirror to estimate distances to vehicles
behind you.
•
Make sure that you do not get your finger trapped between the mirror
and the mirror base when folding back the mirrors. Risk of injury!For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer
needed. Fuel is wasted otherwise.
Note
•
If the electrical adjustment ever fa ils to operate, the mirrors can be
adjusted by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.
•
The following guideline applies to vehicles with electric exterior mirrors:
If the mirror housing is moved as a resu lt of exterior force (e.g. knocked when
parking the vehicle), the mirrors must be folded in electrically to the final
position. Do not readjust the mirror h ousing by hand, as this will interfere
with the mirror adjuster function.
•
The rear view mirrors can be adjusted separately or simultaneously, as
described before.
altea_ingles_0706.book Seite 126 Mittwoch, 30. August 2006 3:48 15

Seats and stowage127
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Seats and stowageThe importance of correct seat adjustmentProper seat adjustment optimi ses the level of protection
offered by seat belts and airbags.Your vehicle has five passenger places, two individual front seats and three
places on the rear seat. Each seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
The driver seat and front passenger seat can be adjusted in many ways to suit
the physical requirements of the vehicle occupants. The correct seat position
is very important for:•
fast and easy operation of all controls on the instrument panel,
•
relaxed posture that does not cause drowsiness,
•
safe driving ⇒ page 7,
•
and to ensure that the seat belts and airbag system provide maximum
protection ⇒page 19.
WARNING
•
If the driver and passengers assume improper sitting positions, they
may sustain critical injuries.
•
Never transport more people than there are seats available in the
vehicle.
•
Every occupant in the vehicle must properly fasten and wear the seat
belt belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an appro-
priate child restraint system ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.
•
The front seats and all head restraints must always be adjusted to body
size and the seat belt must always be properly adjusted to provide you and
your passengers with optimum protection.
•
Always keep your feet in the foot well when the vehicle is moving; never
rest them on the dash panel, out of the window or on the seat. This also
applies to passengers. An incorrect sitting position exposes you to an
increased risk of injury in the event of a braking manoeuvre or an accident.
If the airbag is triggered, you could sustain severe injuries due to an incor-
rect sitting position.
•
It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. Failure to respect
the minimum distance means that the airbag will not protect you. Risk of
fatal injury. The distance between the driver and the steering wheel or
between the front passenger and the dash panel should always be as great
as possible.
•
Adjust the driver or front passenger seat only when the vehicle is
stationary. This also applies to the forwards/backwards adjustment of the
rear seats. Otherwise your seat coul d move unexpectedly while the vehicle
is moving. This could increase the risk of an accident and therefore injury.
In addition, while adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting
position. Risk of fatal accidents.
•
Special guidelines apply to installing a child seat on the front
passenger seat. When installing a child seat, observe the warning note in
the ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.WARNING (continued)
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Seats and stowage
128Head restraintsCorrect adjustment of head restraints
Properly adjusted head restraints are an important part of
occupant protection and can redu ce the risk of injuries in
most accident situations.
– 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 and, as a very minimum at eye level
⇒fig. 90 and ⇒fig. 91 .Adjusting the head restraints ⇒page 129.
WARNING
•
Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted
increases the risk of severe injuries.
•
Improperly adjusted head restraints could lead to death in the event of
a collision or accident.
•
Incorrectly adjusted head restraints also increase the risk of injury
during sudden or unexpected driving or braking manoeuvres.
•
The head restraints must always be adjusted according to the occu-
pant's size.
Fig. 90 Viewed from in
front: Properly adjusted
head restraints and
proper belt adjustment
Fig. 91 Viewed from side:
Properly adjusted head
restraints and proper belt
adjustment
altea_ingles_0706.book Seite 128 Mittwoch, 30. August 2006 3:48 15

Seats and stowage
130Front seatsAdjustment of the front seatsThe control elements in ⇒fig. 93 are mirrored for the front right-
hand seat.
Adjusting the seat forwards and backwards
– Pull up the grip and move th e seat forwards or backwards.
– Then release the grip and move the seat further until the catch engages.
Adjusting the seat height*
– Pull the lever up or push down (s everal times if necessary) from
its home position. This adjusts the seat height in stages. Adjusting the backrest angle
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel.
Adjusting the lumbar support*
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel to adjust the lumbar support.
The backrest curvature of the cushioned area is determined by the settings
made in the lumbar region. This supports the natural curvature of the spine
very effectively.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the driver or front passenger seat while the vehicle is in
motion. While adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting
position. Risk of fatal accidents. Adju st the driver or front passenger seat
only when the vehicle is stationary.
•
To reduce the risk of injury to th e driver and front passenger during
sudden braking manoeuvres or an acci dent, never drive with the backrest
tilted far to the rear. The maximum protection of the seat belt can be
achieved only when the backrests are in an upright position and the driver
and front passenger have properly adjusted their seat belts. The further
the backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to
improper positioning of the belt web!
•
Exercise caution when adjusting the seat height or forwards/back-
wards position. Injuries can be caused if the backrest is tilted without due
care and attention.
Fig. 93 Front left seat
controls
A1
A1
A2
A3A4
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Seats and stowage
132
The seats may be moved forwards and backwards independently.
The movement can be 1/3 or 2/3 of the seat. There are various
possible positions.
Adjusting reach
– In the seated position, unlock the lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒page 131, fig. 95 .
– Push the seat backwards or forwards to the desired position.
Backrest angle adjustment
– Hold the backrest at the top. Pull the loop on the side of the seat
⇒ page 131, fig. 96 in the direction of the arrow and hold the
loop in this position. Push the backrest to the required position
and release the loop.
WARNING
•
Adjust the seat only when the vehicle is stationary. Otherwise your seat
could move unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. This could increase
the risk of an accident and therefore injury.
•
Do not push the seatbacks down until the seat is moved, this is to avoid
damage to the centre console.
•
Ensure that the seat, once mo ved, is fixed in position.Note
•
In order to maintain the maximum luggage compartment space, put the
seatbacks in normal position, without moving.
•
In order to maintain the maximum space without putting the seatbacks
down, move the seats forward to the desired position.
Folding the seat backrests down – Pull the loop on the side of the seat ⇒ fig. 97 .In this position the back rest is locked. This is the reason why the loop located
on the side of the seat must be pulled in the direction of the arrow to open the
backrest.
WARNING
•
You should check that the backrest has engaged properly in position
after the loop is released.
•
The locking system loops on the seat s may not, for safety reasons, be
used to secure any items.
A1
Fig. 97 Folding or
opening the rear seat
backrestsA1
altea_ingles_0706.book Seite 132 Mittwoch, 30. August 2006 3:48 15

Seats and stowage133
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Folding the rear seat backrests down– Pull the loop on the side of the seat ⇒fig. 98 in the direction
of the arrow and lift the seat backrest into position.
WARNING
•
You should check that the backrest has engaged properly in position
after the loop is released.
•
The locking system loops on the seats may not, for safety reasons, be
used to secure any items.
•
After locking the seat backrest into position ensure that the seat belts
protrude from the seat.
Stowage compartmentsStowage compartment on the front passenger sideThe compartment can be opened by pulling the lever ⇒fig. 99 .
WARNING
Always keep the stowage compartment cover closed while the vehicle is in
motion to reduce the risk of injury during a sudden braking manoeuvre or
in the event of an accident.
Fig. 98 Folding or
opening the front seat
backrestsA1
Fig. 99 Passenger side:
Stowage compartment
altea_ingles_0706.book Seite 133 Mittwoch, 30. August 2006 3:48 15