2008 Seat Altea Freetrack brake fluid

Contents
4Trailer towing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instructions to follow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ball coupling of towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
. . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the vehicle interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile telephones and radiotelephones . . . . .
Checking and refilling levels
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If and when
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . . . . . .
Wheel change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit (Tyre-Mobility-System)* . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes on the technical data
. . . . . . .
What you should be aware of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are the figures measured? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Techn ical data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (86 bhp) . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 bhp) . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.6l 75 kW (102 bhp) . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.8 118 kW (160 bhp) . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 2.0 110 kW (150 bhp) . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 110 kW (150 bhp).
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 147 kW (200 bhp) . . . . .
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 147 kW (200 bhp).
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 147 kW (200 bhp).
Freetrack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9 TDI 77 kW (105 bhp) . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9 TDI 77 kW (105 bhp).
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0l 103 kW (140 bhp) . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0l 103 kW (140 bhp). Freetrack
Diesel engine 2.0l 103 kW (140 bhp). Automatic
Diesel engine 2.0l 100 kW (136 bhp) . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0l 100 kW (136 bhp). Automatic
Diesel engine 2.0l 125 kW (170 bhp) . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0l 125 kW (170 bhp). Freetrack
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and capacities. Freetrack . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
197
197
198
198
199
201
201
202
208
210
210
210
211
211
212
212
213
214
215
218
223
225
228
230
233
233
241
241
243
250
252
259
268
271 275
275
275
277
278
279
279
280
281
282
283
285
286
287
288
290
291
292
294
295
296
298
299
300
301
303
304
305
altea_XL ingles.book Seite 4 Donnerstag, 13. September 2007 10:36 10

Cockpit
64cated by symbols with warnings and information texts in the display. An
audible warning is given in certain cases.
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning symbols
(priority 2).
Information text
In addition to warning me ssages given on a fault, you will receive information
in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
Note
In the case of screens without warning or information texts, faults are indi-
cated exclusively by the warning lamps.Warning reports, Priority 1 (red)If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings . This is a danger warning. Stop
the car and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain profes-
sional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will continue
until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display fo r the duration of a priority 1 warning
report. Examples of priority 1 warning reports (red)
7)
•
Brake system symbol
 with warning text
STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•
Coolant symbol
 with the warning text STOP CHECK COOLANT
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•
Engine oil pressure symbol

with the warning text STOP ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE LOW! SERVICE MANUAL .
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow)If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied
by one audible warning . The function should be checked as soon as possible.
If several priority 2 warning reports are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. After
a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be shown
as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2 warning reports will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
reports have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning reports (yellow):
8)
•
Fuel symbol with the information text PLEASE REFUEL.
•
Windscreen washer fluid symbol
 with the information text REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Refill the windscreen washer tank
⇒ page 225.
•
Electronic immobiliser symbol

with the information text SAFE. A valid
key was not used, for this reason the vehicle may not start.
7)Depending on the model version8)Depending on the model version
altea_XL ingles.book Seite 64 Donnerstag, 13. September 2007 10:36 10

Cockpit73
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information

Fuel level / reserve ⇒page 75

Coolant level / coolant temperature ⇒page 75

Rear fog light switched on ⇒page 76


Turn signals in operation ⇒page 76

Trailer turn signals in operation ⇒page 76

Main beam switched on ⇒page 76

Bulb defective ⇒page 77

Cruise control system switched on ⇒page 77

Washer fluid level ⇒page 77


Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system ⇒
page 77

Engine oil pressure ⇒page 78

ABS system fault ⇒page 78


Pollen accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter ⇒page 79

Alternator fault ⇒page 79
A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13A14
altea_XL ingles.book Seite 73 Donnerstag, 13. September 2007 10:36 10

Cockpit77
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Bulb defect

The warning lamp lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exte-
rior lighting is defective.The warning lamp
 lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exterior lighting
(e.g. left-hand main beam) is defective.
The instrument panel displays shows the following message
12): LEFT FULL
LIGHT FAULT .
Cruise control system*

The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system
is switched on.The warning lamp
 lights up when the cruise control system is switched on.
For further notes on the cruise control system, please see ⇒page 176.
Washer fluid

This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low.This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
⇒page 225.
The following message is shown on the instrument panel display
13): REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID .
Brake system* / handbrake


The warning lamp lights up if the handbrake is applied, if the
brake fluid level falls too low or if there is a fault in the brake
system.
This warning lamp
 lights up if
•
If the handbrake is on
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following message
will appear in the instrument panel display
14): HANDBRAKE ON. Also, an
audible warning is given.
•
If the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 228
The instrument panel displays shows the following message
14): STOP BRAKE
FLUID INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•
If there is a fault in the brake system
The instrument panel displays shows the following message
14): BRAKE
SYSTEM FAULT INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
This warning lamp can light up together with the anti-lock brake system
warning lamp.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 215, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level ⇒page 228, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.
12)Depending on the model version13)Depending on the model version
14)Depending on the model version
altea_XL ingles.book Seite 77 Donnerstag, 13. September 2007 10:36 10

Cockpit
78•
If the brake warning lamp
 lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp
, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the
rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
Engine oil pressure

This warning lamp indicates that the engine oil pressure is
too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three audible
warnings, switch off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is too
low, add more engine oil ⇒page 218.
The instrument panel displays shows the following message
15): STOP
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct, do not drive on. The
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)


A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp
 should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic
test sequence. There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
The warning lamp
 does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•
The warning lamp does not go
out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control
function will not function). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the ⇒page 181.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 215.
•
If the brake warning lamp
 should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 228, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident.
Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance.
15)Depending on the model versionWARNING (continued)
altea_XL ingles.book Seite 78 Donnerstag, 13. September 2007 10:36 10

Intelligent technology
186occurs - without warning to the driver - in regular intervals and requires a
more rapid response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the car or driving
through water, the full braking effect ca n be delayed by moisture (or in winter
by ice) on the discs and brake pads. The brakes should be dried by pressing
the pedal to restore full braking effect.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the car is
driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot of salt
on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs and pads
has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and corrosion
to form on the discs if the car is used infrequently, or if you only drive low
mileages without using the brakes very much.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if corrosion has formed on the discs,
it is advisable to clean off the pads and discs by braking firmly a few times
from a moderately high speed ⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest qual-
ified workshop and have the fault rectified. On the way to the dealer, be
prepared to use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stop-
ping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low.
The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
•
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs,
select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other
road users. Risk of accident.
•
Ensure the vehicle does not move wh ile in neutral, when the motor is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.Caution
•
Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when you do
not really intend to brake. This overh eats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.
•
Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear position
if your car has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine braking
and prolongs the service life of the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes,
it is better to brake firmly at interval s than to apply the brakes continuously.Note
•
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.
•
If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front spoiler or
wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat.
altea_XL ingles.book Seite 186 Donnerstag, 13. September 2007 10:36 10

Intelligent technology187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we recom-
mend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an Approved
Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Maintenance
Programme.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): The brakes should
be dried by pressing the pedal to restore full braking effect.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk
of accidents.•
New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction
during the first 200 km. However, th e reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also
applies when new brake pads are fitted.
•
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.
•
On steep descents if the brakes are excessively used they will over
heat. Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear
if your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine
braking and relieves the brakes.
•
Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking
distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.
•
Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.
•
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions
before purchasing accessories ⇒ page 210, “Modifications”.
•
If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Power steering (servotronic*)
The power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel. In cars equipped with servotronic* power steering the degree
of power assistance is regulated electronically according to road speed.
If a fault should occur in the servotronic system the power steering* will still
operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to
different speeds. If the electronic regu lating system is not working properly,
this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for
instance when parking) – more effort wi ll be required than usual. The fault
should be corrected by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING (continued)
altea_XL ingles.book Seite 187 Donnerstag, 13. September 2007 10:36 10

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle201
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Cleaning and caring for your vehicleGeneral notesRegular washing and care help maintain the value of your
vehicle.Regular care
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may
also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in the
event of corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect the car against environmental contaminants is to
wash and wax it frequently. The longer substances such as insects, bird drop-
pings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt
and other aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they
do to the paintwork. High temperatur es (for instance in strong sunlight)
further intensify the corrosive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have the
underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Car care products
Car care products are available from your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the
product instructions until you have used up the product.
WARNING
•
Car care products can be toxic. For this, they must always be kept
closed in their original container. Keep out of children's reach. Failure to
comply could result in poisoning.
•
Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package
before using car care products. Improper use could damage your health or your vehicle. The use of certain products may produce noxious vapours;
these should be used in well ventilated areas.
•
Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. There is a fire / explo-
sion risk.
•
Before you wash your vehicle, or carry out any maintenance, switch off
the engine, apply the handbrake firmly and remove the key from the igni-
tion.Caution
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is dry.
Never use a dry cloth or sponge for clea ning purposes. This could damage the
paintwork or glass on your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty of
water.
For the sake of the environment
•
When purchasing car care products, try to select ones which are not
harmful to the environment.
•
Left over car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary house-
hold waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.WARNING (continued)
altea_XL ingles.book Seite 201 Donnerstag, 13. September 2007 10:36 10