
Cockpit63
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 222.
6)Depending on the version of the model.
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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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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 

Driving167
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 249, “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 262, “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 165, fig. 138   . 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 262.
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 76 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 environment191
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 208, “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 218, 
“Topping up engine oil  ”. – Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary 
⇒page 262.
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 73. 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 environment193
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 roll ing 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 towing195
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 197.
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
230Wheels 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 190.
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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