
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
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 161
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
When the   button is off (LED off), 
the heating, ventilation and air condi-
tioning system is off.
When the   button is off, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning 
system is switched off to save fuel. The temperature continues to self-regu-
late. The set temperature can then only be reached if it is higher than the 
ambient temperature.
Driver and passenger temperature control
The   button controls the synchronisation of the 2 Climatronic climate 
zones.
When the   button is on (LED lit), the climate zone of the Climatronic is 
personalised, for example: Driver side temperature 22°C and passenger side 
temperature 23°C.
When the   button is off (LED off), the climate zone of the Climatronic is 
synchronised, for example: Driver side temperature 22°C and passenger side 
temperature 22°C.
If the   button is off and the passenger side temperature is changed, the 
function is automatically activated.
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells 
from coming from the outside.– Press the button   ⇒ page 160, fig. 134   to switch air recir-
culation mode on or off. It is switched on if the following symbol 
appears in the display 
.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from 
entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in 
a traffic jam. With low temperatures outside, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the heating system by heating the air inside the passenger compart-
ment rather than the air from outside.
With high ambient temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the passenger 
compartment rather than the ambient air.
If the windscreen air output is on and the air recirculation mode is pressed, 
this remains active. When the recirculation mode is on, if the air distribution 
towards the windscreen mode is selecte
d, the recirculation mode is deacti-
vated. For safety reasons, the air recirculation mode should not be 
connected.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle 
interior. If the air conditioning syst em is switched off, the windows can 
quickly mist over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode 
switched on for a long time (risk of accident).General notesThe impurity filter
The impurity filter (a combined particle filter and active carbon filter) serves 
as a barrier against impurities in the ambient air, including dust and pollen.
For the air conditioning system to work  with maximum efficiency, the pollen 
filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas reaching very high 
pollution levels, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than 
stated in the Service Schedule.
ACAC
DUAL
DUALDUAL
DUAL
A2
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Driving and the environment
192Diesel engine particulate filter*
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates soot produced 
by burning diesel.The diesel engine dust filter eliminates most of the soot from the exhaust gas 
system. Under normal driving conditions, the filter cleans itself. If the driving 
conditions do not allow the filter to cle an itself (for example, multiple short 
trips) the filter will be obstructed by dust and pollen and the indicator 
 for 
the diesel engine particulate filter indicator will light. See under Warning 
Lights.
WARNING
•
The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into cont act with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.Caution
•
The vehicle is not designed for refuel ling with mixtures of FAME fuel 
(biodiesel) over 7% in accordance with  DIN 51628. The diesel particle filter is 
damaged when this mixture percentage is exceeded.
Economical and ecological drivingEconomical and environmental drivingFuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes 
and tyres depends in large part on your driving style. By adopting an econom-
ical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily  reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. Next, we provide you with some tips in 
order to help reduce contamination 
and, at the same time, save money.
Driving ahead of the circumstances
A vehicle uses most fuel when accele rating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is possible, 
let the vehicle roll with a  gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light 
ahead. The braking effect preserves brakes and tyres from wear; the emis-
sions and fuel consumption are reduce d to zero (disconnection out of 
inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up  quickly through the gears. 
Running the engine at high rpm in  the lower gears uses an unnecessary 
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox:  Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible. We 
recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon 
reaching 2,000 rpm.
Automatic gearbox:  Accelerate in moderation and avoid the “kick-down” 
position.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel 
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly at 
higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at level 
crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after only 
30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart the 
engine.
The engine takes a very long time to  warm up when it is running at idling 
speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also especially high 
AlteaXL_EN.book  Seite 192  M ontag, 2. Februar 2009  12:26 12 

Checking and refilling levels
212Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.The quality of the petrol influences  running behaviour, performance and 
service life of the engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol 
containing additives. These additives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the 
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is  not available or engine problems occur, 
the required additives must be added during refuelling.DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel must correspond to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European standard”). It 
must have a cetane number (CN) of at  least 51. The cetane number indicates 
the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on filling with fuel  ⇒page 210.Biodiesel*The biodiesel fuel must comply with the DIN EN 14.214 (FAME) Standard.•
Biodiesel is a methylester  obtained from rapeseed oil.
•
DIN is the German abbreviation for “Deutsches  Institut für  Normung e.V.”, 
the German standards institute.
•
EN means E uropean Norm.
•
FAME is the English abbreviation for “ Fatty  Acid  Methyl  Ester”. Your Authorised Service Centre can also be consulted to know if the vehicle 
has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Things to note about RME fuel (biodiesel)
•
The performance of a vehicle using biodiesel maybe somewhat reduced.
•
Fuel consumption of a vehicle usin
g biodiesel may be slightly higher.
•
RME fuel is resistant to the cold down to approx. -10°C.
•
At temperatures below -10°C, we recommend using winter diesel fuel.
•
Your vehicle is designed to be refuelled with up to a maximum of 7% 
blended biodiesel in accordance with standard DIN 51628.Caution
•
RME fuel can damage the fuel system in vehicles which are not suitably 
adjusted.
•
If you decide to use biodiesel in your vehicle, please use only RME fuel 
which is DIN E 14,214 compliant.
•
If you use biodiesel that does not me et the required standard, the fuel 
filter could become clogged.Note
•
In case of low exterior temperatures and a fuel biodiesel percentage of 
higher than 50%, an increase in gas emission may occur during operation of 
the independent heating.
•
The fuel filter may become clogged when fuel is changed to biodiesel. For 
this reason, we recommend you that, when having run 300 or 400 km after a 
fuel change, the fuel filter change must also be done. Also note the instruc-
tions in the Inspection and Maintenance plan.
•
If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we 
recommend filling the fuel tank with  biodiesel and driving about 50 km in 
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
AlteaXL_EN.book  Seite 212  M ontag, 2. Februar 2009  12:26 12 

Checking and refilling levels213
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at 
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation. 
Therefore, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries during 
the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold 
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service 
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel 
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater, making it well equipped for 
operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to 
approx. -24°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15°C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start 
at temperatures of under -24°C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for 
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”,  or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the 
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1.  Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3.  Move the gear stick to neutral or the selector lever to position  P.
4.  Wait for the engine to cool down.
5.  Keep children away from the vehicle.
6.  Raise the bonnet  ⇒page 215.You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know 
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work 
carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and 
batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of 
information to the Authorised Service  Centres concerning modifications. For 
this reason, we recommend you to have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions  ⇒page 208. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a 
hazardous area ⇒ .
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Technical Data275
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Trailer weights
Engine oil capacity
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 bhp)General engine data
Performance figures
Trailer without brakes 
700
With brakes, gradients up to 8% 1200
With brakes, gradients up to 12% 1000
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 2.8 litres
Power output in kW (bhp)  rpm 92 (125)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 200/ 1500-4000
No. of cylinders, capacity  in cm 
3
4/ 1390
Compression  10
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)With a slight power lossMaximum speedin km/h 194
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 7,0
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 10,5
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Technical Data
276Weights
Trailer weights
Engine oil capacityPetrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 bhp)General engine data Gross vehicle weight
in kg 2023
Weight in working order (with driver) in kg 1478
Front gross axle weight in kg 1004
Rear gross axle weight in kg 1036
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer without brakes  730
With brakes, gradients up to 8% 1500
With brakes, gradients up to 12% 1300
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 3.3 litres
Power output in kW (bhp)  rpm 75 (102)/ 5600
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 148/ 3800
No. of cylinders, capacity  in cm 
3
4/ 1595
Compression  10,3 ± 0,5
Fuel Super Plus unleaded 98 RON or Premium unleaded 95 RON
a)
a)With a slight power loss
AlteaXL_EN.book  Seite 276  M ontag, 2. Februar 2009  12:26 12 

Technical Data279
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Trailer weights
Engine oil capacity
Petrol engine 1.8 litre 118 kW (160 hp). AutomaticGeneral engine data
Performance figures
Trailer without brakes 
750
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% 1500
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% 1400
Engine oil capacity with oil filter change. 4.6 litres
Power output in kW (HP)  rpm 118 (160)/ 4500-6200
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 250/ 1500-4500
No. of cylinders, capacity  in cm 
3
4/ 1798
Compression   9,6-0,5
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)With a slight power lossMaximum speedin km/h 210
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 6,0
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 8,6
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