2009 Seat Altea XL ignition

Cockpit
80This 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 213.
•
If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level ⇒page 226, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the ve hicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.
•
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 216.
The instrument panel displays the following message
15): STOP ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE INSTRUCTIONS 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.
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.
Further notes on the cruise control system ⇒page 179.
Indicator for open doors or tailgate*

This indicator lights if one of th e doors or the tailgate is open.The warning light
 should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off
approx. 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
Power steering system*

For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends on
the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
The warning lamp should li ght up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out once the engine is started.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the engine
running. The warning light only goes of f after a distance of approx. 50 m.
There is a fault in the electromechanical steering system if the lamp does not
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. The indicator may appear
in two different colours to indicate faults . If it lights yellow, this indicates a
minor fault. If it lights red, seek workshop assistance immediately, if no
assistance is available stop driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
15)Depending on the version of the model.
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Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
assistance. The power steering does not work if the battery is flat or if the
engine is off (for example, for towing). You should take into account that you
will need considerably more power than
normal to steer the vehicle if the
steering assistance is reduced or has failed completely.
For those vehicles fitted with ESP* the function “Recommended steering
manoeuvre” is included. See ⇒page 185.
Emission control system*


This warning lamp monito rs the exhaust system.
Warning lamp
 flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce
speed and drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop to have the
engine checked.
The instrument panel displa ys the following message
16): EXHAUST GAS SEE
WORKSHOP
Warning lamp
 is lit:
If a fault has developed during drivi ng which has reduced the quality of the
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest qualified workshop to have the engine checked.
The following information text displaye d in the instrument panel display :
EXHAUST GAS SEE WORKSHOP .
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
programme.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and TCS. This also includes the brake
assist system (BAS), automatic cleaning of the brake discs and the trailer
stability programme (TSP).
The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•
It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a
test of the function is carried out.
•
It flashes when the ESP is activated when driving.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully func-
tional.
If the ESP button is activated, the TCS function deactivates and the warning
lamp flashes.
16)Depending on the version of the model.
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Cockpit
82Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp
. Please
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL ⇒page 186, “Electronic differential lock (EDL)*”.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThe warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should turn
out after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while drivi ng, the warning lamp flashes. If the
system is deactivated or if there is any fault in the same, the warning lamp will
remain lit.
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the TCS oper-
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information, see ⇒page 183,
“Brakes”.
If the TCS button is activated, the TC S function deactivates and the warning
lamp remains lit.
By pressing again, TCS function is reactivated and the warning lamp switched
off.
Operating the foot brake

The footbrake must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is
necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the
positions P or N.Electronic immobiliser* “Safe”
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.Inside the key there is a chip that deac tivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The immobiliser will be
activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the ignition
lock.
The instrument panel displays the following message
17): SAFE . The vehicle
cannot be used in that case ⇒page 166.
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine
key is used.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.17)Depending on the version of the model.
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Unlocking and locking91
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Unlocking and lockingCentral lockingBasic functions
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock all
doors with just pushing on the keybutton.Description
Central locking can be activated by using any of the following options:•
the key, by inserting it into the driver's door cylinder and rotating it manu-
ally,
•
the central locking button in the passenger compartment as an electronic
control ⇒page 94,
•
the radio frequency remote control , using the buttons on the key
⇒ page 98.
Various functions are available to improve the vehicle safety:
– Locking system “Safe”
– Selective unlocking system*
– Automatic speed-dependent locking and unlocking system*
– Self-locking system to prevent involuntary unlocking
– Emergency unlocking system
Unlocking the vehicle*
– Press button ⇒page 98, fig. 63 on remote control to unlock all the
doors and tailgate. Locking the vehicle*
– Press button
⇒page 98, fig. 63 on the remote control to lock all
doors and the tailgate or turn the key in the door to lock all doors and the
tailgate.
WARNING
•
Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their
own.
•
Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. A locked vehicle
can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures, depending on
the time of year, thus causing serious injuries/illness. It could even have
fatal consequences. Close and lock both the tailgate and all the other doors
when you are not using the vehicle.
•
Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle. Misuse
of the keys, for example, by children, may result in serious damage and
accident.
−The engine may accidentally be started and be out of control.
− If the ignition is switched on, the electric equipment could be acti-
vated with risk of injury, for example, in the electric windows.
− The doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could
make assistance difficult in an emergency situation.
− Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
•
Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer
the vehicle.


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Unlocking and locking
92
Note•
While the driver's door is open, the vehicle can not be locked with the
remote control. This avoids the user from forgetting his key inside the vehicle.
•
If the driver's door is unlocked with the key shaft, only the driver's door is
unlocked, the rest of the doors remain locked. When the ignition is switched
on, the door "safe" deadlock is deactivated (although the doors remain
locked) and the central locking button is activated. See ⇒page 100.
•
If the central locking or anti-theft alarm are faulty, the driver's door
warning lamp remains lit for approx. 30 seconds after locking the vehicle.
•
For anti-theft security, only the driver's door is fitted with a lock cylinder.
Safety system “Safe*”
The "safe" deadlock makes it more difficult to break into the
vehicle because the door release lever and the central locking
button are not active (depending upon country).Activating deadlock
– Press once the locking button on the remote control or
–Turn the key once i n t h e d r i v e r ' s d o o r l o ck t o l o ck . A wa r n i n g la m p
in the driver door flashes to indicate the "safe" deadlock is
working. The warning lamp flashes for approx. two seconds at
short intervals and then more slowly. Deactivating deadlock when the vehicle is locked
–Press
twice the locking button on the remote control within
two seconds. The vehicle is locked without activating the dead-
lock. The driver's door warning lamp flashes for approx. two
seconds and then goes out. After approx. 30 seconds it starts
flashing again.
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside if the "safe" deadlock
has not been activated. You will have to pull the door release lever once.
When the "safe" deadlock is off, the antitheft alarm* ⇒page 100 remains
active. The vehicle interior monitoring system* and the anti-tow system are
deactivated*.
WARNING
Nobody should remain in the vehicle if the anti-tow system deadlock mech-
anism has been activated. It is not possible to open the doors from the
inside. Locked doors could make it mo re difficult to assist vehicle occu-
pants in the event of an accident. People could become trapped inside in an
emergency.Selective unlocking system*
This system allows to unlock either just the driver's door or all
the vehicle.Using the remote control, press the unlock button on the remote once. The
“Safe” system for all the vehicle is deactivated, only the driver's door is
unlocked and both the alarm and the light indicator are also turned off.



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Unlocking and locking93
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Unlocking all doors and the boot
The unlock button on the remote must be pressed twice so that all doors
and the boot can be opened.
Press twice within 2 seconds to deactivate the “Safe” system for all vehicle,
to unlock all doors and to use the boot. The indicator and the alarm (only vehi-
cles fitted with one) are turned off.
Automatic speed dependent locking and unlocking system*
This is a safety system which prevent the access to the vehicle
from the outside when it is running (for example, when
stopped at a traffic light).Locking
The doors and the boot are automatically locked when vehicle speed exceeds
15 km/h.
If the vehicle is stopped and one of the doors is opened, when the vehicle
moves off again and exceeds a speed of 15 km/h, the unlocked door(s) will
be locked once more.
Unlocking
The driver's door automatically unlocks when the key is removed from the
ignition.
Each door can be unlocked and opened
independently from the inside (for
example, when a passenger gets out of it). To do it, simply operate the lever
inside the door.
WARNING
The door handles must no t be operated when the vehicle is running: the
door would open.
Locking system for involuntary unlocking*
It is an anti-theft system and prevents the unintentional
unlocking of the vehicle.If the vehicle is unlocked and any of the doors (including the tailgate) are
opened within 30 seconds, it gets re-locked automatically. This function
prevents the vehicle from remaining unlocked if the unlock button is pressed
by mistake.Emergency unlocking systemIf the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle gets unlocked,
except for the boot. It is possible to lock the vehicle from inside with the
central locking, after turning the ignition of f and back on again.
If the doors must be locked from th e outside, see “Emergency locking of the
doors”.

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Unlocking and locking
94Central locking button
The central locking button allows you to lock and unlock the
vehicle from the inside.Locking the vehicle
– Press the button ⇒.
Unlocking the doors
– Press button .The central locking button is still operative when the ignition is switched off.
Except when the "safe" security system is activated.
Please note the following if you lock your vehicle with the central locking
button:•
Safety reasons make not be possible to open the doors or the tailgate
from the outside (for instance, when stopped at a traffic light).
•
The driver or front passenger door cannot be locked if any of the vehicle
doors (except the tailgate) are open. This avoids the user from forgetting his
key inside the vehicle.
•
Repeated operation of the central locking will deactivate the central
locking button for 30 seconds. Once this time has passed, the button may be
used once more.
•
There is a danger of leaving the key inside the vehicle if the vehicle is
locked by the central locking button whe n the driver's door is closed and any
of the rear doors open. On closing any of the rear doors, the vehicle locks and
the keys remain inside it.
•
All doors can be locked separately from inside the car. Do this by pulling
the door release lever once.
WARNING
•
If the vehicle is locked, children and disabled people may be trapped
inside it.
•
The central locking button is not operative in the following cases:
•
When the vehicle is locked from the outside (by the remote or the key).
•
While the ignition is not activated afte r unlocking the door lock cylinder
with the key.Note
•
Vehicle locked, amber button .
•
Vehicle unlocked, red button .
Unlocking and locking - Manual personalisation Activating selective unlocking
With the driver's door open, turn the key to unlock for approx. 3 s.
Fig. 58 Detail of the
centre console: central
locking system button



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Unlocking and locking97
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
KeysSet of keys
The set of keys includes a remote control, a key without a
remote control and a plastic key tab with the number of the
key.The set of keys belonging to your vehicle consists of the following items:•
one remote control key ⇒fig. 62 with folding key bit,
•
a key without remote control ,
•
one plastic key tab with the key number.
Plastic key tab
Duplicate keys are only issued with the key number on the key tab ⇒fig. 62
. Therefore:
•
Always keep the key tab in a safe place.
•
Never leave the key tab in the vehicle.
If you sell the vehicle, please give the plastic key tab to the new owner.
Duplicate keys
If you need a replacement key, take y our key tab to an Authorised Service
Centre.
WARNING
•
An incorrect use of the keys can cause serious injuries.
•
Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their
own.
•
An uncontrolled use of the key could start the engine or activate any
electric equipment(e.g. electric wind ows), causing risk of accident. The
doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could make the aid
difficult in an emergency situation.
•
Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. An unauthorised use of your
vehicle could result in injury, damage or theft. Always take the key with you
when you leave the vehicle.
•
Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could suddenly block and it would be impossible
to steer the vehicle.Caution
There are electronic components in the remote control key. Avoid wetting and
hitting the keys
Fig. 62 Set of keys
AA
AB
AC
AB
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