Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
200•
Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of
injury.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.Caution
•
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is
dry. Never use a dry cloth or sponge fo r cleaning purposes. This could scratch
the paintwork or glass on your vehicle.
•
Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: if the vehicle is rinsed with a
hose, do not direct the water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the
doors, luggage compartment, or bonnet. Otherwise there is a risk of malfunc-
tion.For the sake of the environment
In the interests of environmental protection, the car should be washed only
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water
entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing vehicles anywhere
else may be prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
Washing the car with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner, particularly those concerning the pressure and the spraying
distance .
– Increase the spraying distance for soft materials and painted bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows ⇒page 201.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles or so-called “dirt blasters” ⇒ .
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes care-
fully several times ⇒page 184.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or cylindrical jet (“rotating
nozzle”). Even at large spraying distanc es and short cleaning times, visible
and invisible damage can occur to the tyres. This may cause an accident.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.Caution
•
Do not use water hotter than 60°C. This could damage the car.
WARNING (continued)
altea ingles.book Seite 200 Dienstag, 11. September 2007 4:39 16
Checking and refilling levels225
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒page 276. The brake fluid reservoir has a black and
yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. 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 212.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 212 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course 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.
Fig. 170 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
altea ingles.book Seite 225 Dienstag, 11. September 2007 4:39 16
Checking and refilling levels
226•
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒ page 212.
•
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.
BatteryWarnings on handling the battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as the
risk of accident or fire when work ing on the battery and the electrical
system:•
Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid and
particles containing lead.
•
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batter ies. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
•
Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electrostatic
WARNING (continued)
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protec-
tive gloves and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
altea ingles.book Seite 226 Dienstag, 11. September 2007 4:39 16
If and when239
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.
Wheel changePreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
–Engage the first gear, or put the selector lever to position P for
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
–Take the vehicle tools and the spare wheel out of the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in position.
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheelChange the wheel as described below
– Remove the wheel cover. Also refer to ⇒page 240, fig. 174 .
–Slacken the wheel bolts.
– Raise the car with the jack in the corresponding zone.
– Ta k e o f f the wheel and then put on the spare wheel.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly i n d i a go na l s e q u e n ce wi t h t h e b ox
spanner.
–Replace the hub cap.
altea ingles.book Seite 239 Dienstag, 11. September 2007 4:39 16
If and when
246
NoteSeek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not possible
with the sealing compound.Preparation work
Certain steps must be taken before repairing a tyre.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic as possible.
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
–Engage first gear, or put the selector lever to position P.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Check whether a repair is possible using the Tyre Mobility System “General information and safety notes.”
– Unscrew inflation cap from the affected wheel.
– Take the tyre repair kit out of the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and pl ace the warning triangle in position.
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
Take special care if you have to repair a tyre on a gradient.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Tyre repair
The following sections describe the procedures for repairing
a tyre.Using the sealing compound
– The instructions on the container give detailed information on how to use the sealing compound.
Inflating the tyre.
– Remove the air compressor and hose from the container.
– Screw the retaining nut onto the valve.
– Plug the compressor cable into a 12 volt socket.
– Turn on compressor and monitor the pressure shown on the pres- sure gauge.
Completing the repair
– Remove the compressor hose from the valve.
– Fit the valve cap.
– Unplug the compressor from the socket.
– Return all tools to their proper storing location.
altea ingles.book Seite 246 Dienstag, 11. September 2007 4:39 16
If and when
250
21 Cable control unit 7,5
22 Volumetric alarm sensor/ Alarm horn 5
23 Diagnosis / Rain sensor / Light switch 10
24 Vacant
25 Switchboard coupling automatic gearbox 20
26 Vacuum pump 20
27 RSE input (roof screen) 10
28 Rear wiper motor / Switchboard wiring 20
29 Vacant
30 Cigarette lighter / socket 20
31 Vacant
32 Vacant
33 Heater 40
34 Vacant
35 Vacant
36 Engine management 10
37 Engine management 10
38 Engine management 10
39 Trailer control unit (coupling) 15
40 Trailer control unit (indicat ors, brakes and left side) 20
41 Trailer control unit (fog light, reversing light and right side) 20
42 Vacant
43 Trailer pre-installation 40
44 Rear window heater 25
Number
Consumer Amperes
altea ingles.book Seite 250 Dienstag, 11. September 2007 4:39 16
If and when253
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
19
Clean 30
20 Vacant
21 Lambda probe 15
22 Brake pedal, speed sensor 5
23 Engine management
5
Engine management 10
Engine management 15
24 AKF, gearbox valve 10
25 Right lighting 40
26 Left lighting 40
27 Engine management
40
Engine management 50
28 Ignition key 40
29 Electric windows (front and back)
50
Electric windows (front) 30
30 Ignition key 40
Number
Consumer Amperes
altea ingles.book Seite 253 Dienstag, 11. September 2007 4:39 16
If and when
258Side lights– Raise the bonnet.
– Remove the cover ⇒fig. 188 by pulling on this. – Extract the lamp holder
⇒fig. 189 outwards.
– Replace the bulb by pulling this out and inserting the replace- ment.
– Installation is done in the reverse order.
Rear lights•
Side lights
•
Brake lights
•
Turn signals
•
Reversing lights
•
Rear fog light
Fig. 188 Side lightsFig. 189 Side lights
AD
A1
altea ingles.book Seite 258 Dienstag, 11. September 2007 4:39 16