
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle exterior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical 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
. . . . . . .
Outstanding information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Techn ical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 bhp) . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 bhp) . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 bhp) . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.8 litre 118 kW (160 hp). Manual
Petrol engine 1.8 litre 118 kW (160 hp).
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9 TDI 77 kW (105 bhp). . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0l 103 kW (140 bhp). . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0l 125 kW (170 bhp) . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
195
195
196
196
197
199
199
200
206
208
208
208
209
209
210
210
211
212
213
216
220
222
226
227
230
230
238
238
240
247
249
253
262
265 269
269
269
271
272
273
273
274
275
276
278
279
280
282
283
285
287
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 4 Montag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

Cockpit
74
WARNING
•
Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to
prevent danger to thirds.
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
Engine fault (petrol engine)
⇒page 76
Glow plug system for diesel engine
⇒page 76
Main beam switched on
⇒page 77
Pollen accumulation in the diesel
engine particulate filter
⇒page 77
ABS system fault
⇒page 77
Windscreen washer fluid level
⇒page 78
Alternator fault
⇒page 78
Fasten seat belts!
⇒page 19
Tyre pressure
⇒page 78
Airbag or belt tension device system
fault or airbag disabled
⇒page 27
⇒ page 30
A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13
Bulb defective
⇒page 79
Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system
⇒page 79
Engine oil pressure
⇒page 80
Cruise control system switched on
⇒page 80
Door open indicator
⇒page 80
Electromechanical steering
⇒page 80
Fault in the emission control system
⇒page 81
If flashing: electronic stabilisation pro-
gramme (ESP) is working
If it remains lit: ESP malfunction or off
⇒page 81
Automatic selector lever lock (auto-
matic gearbox)
⇒page 82
SAFE
Electronic immobiliser
⇒page 82
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning
and control lamps
Further
information
A14A15A16A17A18A19A20A21A22
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 74 M ontag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

Cockpit79
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 78, 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.
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 disp lays the following message
13): LEFT FULL BEAM
FAULTY .
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
14): HANDBRAKE ON. Also, an
audible warning is given.
•
If the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 226.
The instrument panel disp lays the following message
14): STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•
If there is a fault in the brake system.
The instrument panel disp lays the following message
14): BRAKE SYSTEM
FAULT INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
13)Depending on the version of the model.14)Depending on the version of the model.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 79 Montag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

Lights and visibility
116Indicator and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒page 116, fig. 77 to indicate
right , and all the way down to indicate left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash. Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position
.
–Press the lever forward ⇒ page 116, fig. 77 to switch on the
main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head- lights off again.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn the right or left-hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other driver s. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headligh t flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
•
The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp
or flashes in the instrume nt panel. The warning
lamp
flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is
correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is defec-
tive, the warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal bulbs
are damaged, warning lamp
does not light up. Change the bulb.
Fig. 77 Indicator and
main beam headlight
lever
A1
A2
A1
A2
A3
A4
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Checking and refilling levels
228charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.
•
Keep children away from acid and batteries.
•
Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The negative cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only switch
off the light.
•
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.
•
Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
•
Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0°
•
Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
•
Never use a defective battery. This may be fatally explosive. Replace a
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
•
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 213 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 227.
– 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 show n in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒page 273.
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.
WARNING (continued)
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If and when253
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Bulb changeGeneral notesBefore changing any bulb, first turn off the failed component.
Do not touch the bulb glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a
reduction in the bulb life and conden sation on the mirror surface, thus
reducing efficiency.
A bulb should only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is inscribed
on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
It is highly recommended to keep a box of spare bulbs in the vehicle. At the
very least, the following spare bulbs, which are essential for road safety,
should be kept in the vehicle.
Main headlights
Dipped beam - H7
Main beam - H1
Position - W5W
Indicator - PY21W
Xenon headlights
23) /self-directing
Dipped and full beam - D1S
24)
Daylight - P21W SLL
Position W5W
Indicators PY21W
15
Engine management
5
Pump relay
10
16
Right lighting
30
17
Horn
15
18
Vacant
19
Clean
30
20
Water pump
10
Pressure sensor pump for 1.8 engine
20
21a)
Lambda probe
15
22
Brake pedal, speed sensor
5
23a)
Engine management
5
Engine management
10
Engine management
15
24
AKF, gearbox valve
10
25a)
ABS pump
40
26
Left lighting
30
27a)
Engine management
40
Engine management
50
28
Vacant
29a)
Electric windows (front and back)
50
Electric windows (front)
30
30
Ignition key
50
a)Ampere rating according to motorisationNumber
Consumer
Amps
23)On this type of headlight, the bulb changes must be made by the SEAT dealer, given
that complex elements must be removed from the vehicle and a reset must be made
on the automatic control system incorporated.24)The Xenon bulbs discharge 2.5 times the light flux and have an average lifespan of 5
times more than that of halogen bulbs, this means that, except due to unusual circum-
stances, there is no need to change the bulbs for the whole life of the vehicle.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 253 M ontag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12

If and when
254Fog lights
Fog lights - H3
Fixed rear light
Stop/Position - P21W
25)
Indicator - P21W
Rear tailgate light unit
Fog light (driver's side) - P21W
Reverse (passenger's side) - P21W
Position - W5W
Side indicator
Side indicator - W5W
Registration plate light
Registration plate light - C5W
Note
•
Depending on weather conditions (cold or wet), the front lights, the fog
lights, the rear lights and the indicato rs may be temporarily misted. This has
no influence on the life expectancy of the lighting system. By switching on the
lights, the area through which the beam of light is projected will quickly be
demisted. However, the edges may continue to be misted.
•
Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the exterior
lighting) on your vehicle is functioning pr operly. This is not only in the interest
of your own safety, but also in that of all other road users.
•
Due to the difficulty in accessing the lamps, any replacement work should
be done by a SEAT dealer. However, the following is a description of how to
change the lamps except for the fog lights* and interior lamps.
Main headlight lamps
Indicator
Dipped headlights
Main beam headlights
Side lights
25)Electronically controlled single filament bulb for Stop/side bulbs. If the bulb blows it
will not work in either position or Stop.
Fig. 180 Main headlight
lamps
AAABACAD
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If and when255
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Turn signal lamps–Raise the bonnet.
– Rotate the lamp holder ⇒fig. 181 to the left and pull.
– Remove the bulb by pressing on the lamp holder and rotating at the same time to the left.
– Installation is done in the reverse order.
Dipped beam lights– Raise the bonnet.
Fig. 181 Turn signal
lamps
AA
Fig. 182 Dipped head-
lightsFig. 183 Dipped head-
lights
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