2008 Seat Altea Freetrack display

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 159
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Temperature
There are separate temperature selectors for the left and right sides of the
vehicle interior. The selected temperature is displayed above the selector. It
is possible to select interior tem
peratures from +16°C (61°F) to +29.5°C
(86°F). These are approximate temperat ures and the actual temperature may
be slightly higher or lower depending on the ambient conditions.
If a temperature below 16°C (61°F) is selected, the display switches to LO. In
this setting the system runs at maximum cooling output and the temperature
is not regulated.
If a temperature above 29.5°C (86°F) is selected the display switches to HI. In
this setting the system runs at maximum heating output and the temperature
is not regulated.
Blower
The air flow may be adjusted freely using the control . Always have the
blower running at a low setting to ensure a constant flow of fresh air into the
vehicle. Pushing the button
 to the minimum -1, tu rns the Climatronic off.
Air distribution
The air distribution is adjusted using the buttons , and . It is also
possible to open and close some of the air vents separately.
Switching the air conditioning system on and off
Pressing the button switches off the air conditioning system to save
fuel. The temperature continues to be regulated. The set temperature can
then only be reached if it is higher than the ambient temperature.
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells
from entering the vehicle.– Press the button ⇒page 158, fig. 133 to switch air recir-
culation mode on or off. It is switched on if the following symbol
appears in the display

.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from
entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in
queuing traffic.
With low temperatures outside, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the heating system by heating the air inside the passenger compart-
ment rather than the air from outside.
With high ambient temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the passenger
compartment rather than the ambient air.
For reasons of safety, air recirculation is not possible when the control for air
distribution is set to the windscreen setting
.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no ambient air enters the vehicle interior. If the
air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can quickly mist over.
Therefore, you should never leave the air recirculation mode switched on
for longer periods, as this increases the risk of an accident.
A10



ECON

A2
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Driving173
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
•
The gearbox controls on the steering wheel can operate with the gear stick
in any position and with the vehicle in motion.
HandbrakeUsing the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park. Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
⇒fig. 146.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the locking knob in the direc- tion of the arrow ⇒fig. 146 and guide the handbrake lever down
fully ⇒ .
Always apply the handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-
brake applied ⇒.
The handbrake warning lamp
 lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The wa rning lamp goes out when the hand-
brake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear in the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. Also,
an audible warning is given.
WARNING
•
Never use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle when it is in motion.
The braking distance is considerably longer, as braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Ri sk of accident!
•
If it is only partially released this will cause overheating of the rear
brakes, which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead
to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads/linings.Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected.
Fig. 146 Handbrake
between the front seats
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Checking and refilling levels219
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
may have some repercussions on the pe
rformance 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.
Oil properties
Viscosity
The viscosity class of the oil is selected according to the diagram.
When the ambient temperature falls outside the limits of the scale for a short
period, an oil change is not required.
Fig. 164 Types of oil
according to temperature
Engine type
Specification
Petrol VW 501 01/ VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Diesel VW 505 00/ VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01
Diesel Injector Pump
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01
Diesel Injector Pump Motor 118 kW
a)
VW 506 01/ VW 507 00
Diesel Engines with Particulate filter (DPF)
a)
VW 507 00
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Checking and refilling levels229
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low
⇒page 72.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 215.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Program indicates the brake fluid change
intervals.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 215 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the cour se of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
could impair the braking effect.
It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with the US standard
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
•
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 215.
•
Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.
•
Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance
Program. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the efficiency
of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an accident.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid must be drained and disposed of in the proper manner observing
environmental regulations.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels231
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from frost. If it “freezes” it will be damaged.
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the bonnet and open the battery cover at the front ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 215 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 230.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until they disperse.The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒page 279.
The round window (“magic eye”) on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge level and electrolyte level of the battery.
If the colour in the window is colourless or bright yellow, the electrolyte level
of the battery is too low. Have the battery checked by a qualified workshop.
The colours green and black are used by the workshops for diagnostic
purposes.
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long
periods, the battery should be checked by a qualified workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle, the
battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have the
vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be re-
charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has
special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety spec-
ifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
•
We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof
batteries which comply with the standards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This
standard applies as of 2001.
•
Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe
the warnings ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 230.
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Wheels and tyres
234
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be
reduced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pressure
should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a
journey.
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given are for cold tyres. The slightly raised
pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced ⇒.
WARNING
•
Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Correct tyre pressure
is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, there is an
increased danger of accidents - particularly at high speeds.
•
A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!
•
At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Always observ e the recommended tyre pressures.
•
If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not h andle well. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
Tyre pressure monitoring
The tyre pressure monitoring system constantly checks the
pressure of the tyres.The system warns the driver in the event of a loss of pressure by means of
symbols and messages in the instrument cluster display. The system uses
ESP ⇒page 183.
Note that tyre pressure also depends on tyre temperature. Tyre pressure
increases about 0.1 bar for each 10°C in tyre temperature increase. The tyre
heats up while the vehicle is being driven and the tyre pressure will rise
accordingly. For this reason, you should only adjust the tyre pressures when
they are cold (i.e. approximat ely at ambient temperature).
To ensure that the tyre pressure monitoring system works reliably, you should
check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre pressures at regular intervals and
store the correct pressures (reference values) in the system.
A tyre pressure information label is attached to the inside of the fuel tank flap.
WARNING
•
Never adjust tyre pressure when the tyres are hot. This may damage or
even burst the tyres. Risk of accident!
•
An insufficiently inflated tyre flexes a lot more at high speeds and
causes significant heating of the ty re. Under these conditions, the tyre
bead may be released or the tyre may burst. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear.
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Wheels and tyres235
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Significant tyre pressure lossThe tyre symbol
 is displayed and indicates that the tyre pressure for a least
one tyre is insufficient.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Switch the engine off.
- Check the tyre(s).
- Change the wheel if necessary ⇒page 243.
Tyre service life
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving
style and fitting.
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒fig. 173 , running across the tread. Depending on the make, there will be
six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on the tyre side-
wall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the positions of
the tread wear indicators . The minimum tread depth required by law is
1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators).
Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export countries
⇒ .
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out.
For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per month
⇒ page 233.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Fig. 173 Tyre tread wear
indicators
Fig. 174 Changing
wheels
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Index305
Index
AABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Adjusting headlights driving on the left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
driving on the right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Adjusting the seat belt height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Adjustments for Bixenon headlights driving on the left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
driving on the right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Air conditioner* 2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Air conditioning system General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Air recirculation mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Manual air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Airbags
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Alterations to the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Ambient temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Apple iPod connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . 125
Deactivating anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . . 125
Automatic car wash tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Automatic gearbox / DS G automatic gearbox . 168
Automatic lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Automatic mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Automatic wiper/wash function for the rear window
124
Auxiliary audio connection: AUX-IN . . . . . . . . . 145
BBall coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Battery Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Belt tension device Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Brake pad wear indicator* Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187, 189
Brake pedal Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181, 187
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