2009 Seat Altea fuel pressure

Cockpit65
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 for the duration of a priority 1 warning
report.
Examples of priority 1 warning reports (red)•
Brake system symbol
 with the warning text STOP BRAKE FLUID
SERVICE MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL .
•
Coolant symbol
 with the warning text STOP SEE COOLANT SERVICE
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):
6)
•
Fuel warning light with the information text PLEASE REFUEL.
•
Windscreen washer fluid symbol
 with the information text REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Refill the windscreen washer tank
⇒ page 224.
6)Depending on the version of the model.
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Cockpit
76
WARNING
•
Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and
control lamps
Further information

Fuel level / reserve
⇒page 77

Coolant level / coolant temperature
⇒page 77

Rear fog light switched on
⇒page 78


Turn signals in operation
⇒page 78

Engine fault (petrol engine)
⇒page 78

Glow plug system for diesel engine
⇒page 78

Main beam switched on
⇒page 79

Pollen accumulation in the diesel
engine particulate filter
⇒page 79

ABS system fault
⇒page 79

Windscreen washer fluid level
⇒page 80

Alternator fault
⇒page 80

Fasten seat belts!
⇒page 19

Tyre pressure
⇒page 80

Airbag or belt tension device sys-
tem fault or airbag disabled
⇒page 28
⇒ page 31
A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13

Bulb defective
⇒page 82

Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system
⇒page 81

Engine oil pressure
⇒page 82

Cruise control system switched on
⇒page 82

Door open indicator
⇒page 82

Electromechanical steering
⇒page 82

Fault in the emission control sys-
tem
⇒page 83

If flashing: electronic stabilisation
programme (ESP) is working
If it remains lit: ESP malfunction or
off
⇒ page 83

Automatic selector lever lock (auto-
matic gearbox)
⇒page 84
SAFE
Electronic immobiliser
⇒page 84
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and
control lamps
Further information
A14A15A16A17A18A19A20A21A22
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Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or after changing one or more
wheels, the button ⇒page 80, fig. 49 must be kept pressed while the igni-
tion is on until an acoustic signal is heard and the warning lamp goes out.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor
system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator
 lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is much lower than the value set by
the driver, then the tyre co ntrol warning lamp lights up ⇒.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator  flashes
If the tyre pressure indicator flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the nearest
specialist workshop.
WARNING
•
When the tyre pressure indicator l ights, reduce speed immediately and
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible, and check
the tyre pressure and status.
•
The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre
pressure must be regularly checked.
•
Under certain circumstances (for exam ple, in a sports situation, in
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or
function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconne cted, the yellow indicator
 lights up after turning
the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey.
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 on the instrument panel display
13): HANDBRAKE ON. Also, an
audible warning is given.
•
If the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 228.
The instrument panel disp lays the following message
13): STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•
If there is a fault in the brake system.
The instrument panel disp lays the following message
13): 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.
•
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.
13)Depending on the version of the model.
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Driving169
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after
10 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start,
the fuel pump fuse should be checked
⇒page 250, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avo id high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading th e engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow
the instructions ⇒page 263, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.
You should drive off as soon as you star t the engine. This helps the engine
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 167, fig. 136 . The
indication lamp

will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp turns off, turn the key to position to start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see ⇒page 263.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major
electrical equipment while th e glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp ⇒page 78 goes out.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely ru n dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start the engine afte r refuelling with diesel fuel. This is
because the system must eliminate air first.
A1A2
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Driving and the environment193
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
gear if your vehicle has automatic tr
ansmission). 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 the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
•
Never let the vehicle run 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, “Technical modifications”.
•
If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Exhaust gasses purification systemCatalytic converter*To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Always use unleaded petrol.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not top the reservoir up ⇒page 220,
“Topping up engine oil ”. – Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
⇒page 263.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest qualified workshop. In general, the exhaust warning lamp will light
up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒page 75. If this happens,
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment.
The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Fire hazard!•
Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
dry grass or inflammable materials under the vehicle.
•
Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.Caution
Never fully drain the fuel tank because the irregularity of the fuel supply may
cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust unde r some conditions. This depends on
the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be solved
by changing to another fuel brand.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment195
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately
after starting the engine. Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees
that, before beginning a journey, you
will not waste fuel. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved
fuel efficiency as well as maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture .
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until having
driven some four kilometres. This is the reason why we recommend avoiding
short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up by
as much as 5 %. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all through the year: they will increase fuel consump-
tion by up to 10 %.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being transported.
A roof carrier is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your car will use about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof carrier
even when it is empty.
Save electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, whic
h produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical equipme nt when you do not need them. Examples of equip-
ment that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window
heating or the seat heaters*.
Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priori ty in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•
Joints and connections designed for ease of dismantling
•
Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
•
Increased use of single-grade materials
•
Plastic parts and elastomers are labelled in accordance with ISO 1043,
ISO 11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials
•
Nearly all materials used can be recycled
•
Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling
•
Recycled materials used in manufacture
•
Reduction of the plastic volatile components
•
CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioning
Compliance with prohibited materials laws : cadmium, asbestos, lead,
mercury, chrome VI.
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Trailer towing197
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Trailer towingInstructions to followYour vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing bracket see
⇒ page 199.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin co nnector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to
the maximum permitted trailer weight , you can then climb correspondingly
steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer co mbination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The
correct figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures
for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents ⇒Section
“Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the ca se, you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
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Wheels and tyres
232Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very
slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of
rotation. This ensures you will be able to install them correctly
when you replace them.
– When removed, the wheels and/or tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position if they are not fitted on wheel rims.New tyres
New tyres have to be run in ⇒page 192.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre
and the tread pattern. Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not re
adily visible. If you notice unusual
vibrations or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the tyres
is damaged. The tyres should be checked immediately by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with
directional tread. Always observe the di rection of rotation indicated when
fitting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not have maximum grip in the first 500 km. Drive particu-
larly carefully to avoid risk of accident.
•
Never drive with damaged tyres. This may cause an accident.
•
If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres for damage.
Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the
inside of the tank flap.1. Read the required tyre inflatio n pressure from the sticker. The
values refer to Summer tyres. For Winter tyres, you must add 0.2
bar to the values given on the sticker.
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