
Unlocking and locking
98Radio frequency remote controlLocking and unlocking the vehicle
The remote control key is used to lock and unlock the vehicle 
from a distance.
Using the button  ⇒fig. 63  (arrow) on the control, the key shaft is released.
Unlocking the vehicle    ⇒fig. 63 .
Locking the vehicle    ⇒fig. 63
Unlocking the tailgate. Press the button    ⇒fig. 63   until all indicators 
on the vehicle briefly flash. When the unlocking button     is pressed, 
you have 2 minutes to open the door. Once this time has passed, it will lock 
once more.
Also, the battery indicator on the key  ⇒fig. 63 , will flash.
The remote control transmitter and the batteries are integrated in the key. The 
receiver is inside the vehicle. The maximum scope of the remote control 
depends on various conditions. This scope is reduced when the batteries 
start to lose power.
Selective unlocking*
When the button    ⇒fig. 63   , is pressed once, the driver's door is 
unlocked, all others remain locked.
Press the button    ⇒fig. 63   twice to unlock all doors.
Fig. 63  Assignment of 
buttons on the remote 
control key
Fig. 64  Range of the 
remote control:
A1
A2
A3
A3
A1
A1
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Unlocking and locking99
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
•
An improper use of the key 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.
•
Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. Otherwise, this could result in 
serious injuries, accidents or even the theft of your vehicle. Always take the 
key with you when you leave the vehicle.
•
An uncontrolled use of the key could start the engine or activate any 
electric equipment(e.g. electric win dows), causing risk of accident. The 
vehicle can be locked when using the remote control key. This could 
complicate the aid in cas of emergency.Note
•
The radio-frequency remote control can be programmed by means of 
pressing the unlocking button once; as a result, only the driver door will 
unlock. When the button is pressed once more, all doors and the tailgate will 
be unlocked.
•
The remote control functions only when you are in range  ⇒page 98, 
fig. 64 (red area).
•
If the vehicle is unlocked using the     button, it will lock again auto-
matically if any of the doors or the tailgate are not opened within 30 seconds 
after unlocking it. This function prevents the vehicle from remaining unlocked 
if the unlock button is pressed by mistake.
•
If the vehicle cannot be opened and closed using the remote control, the 
remote control key will have  to be re-synchronised ⇒page 99.
Changing the batteryIf the battery indicator does not flash when the buttons are pushed, the 
battery must be replaced.
Caution
The use of inappropriate batteries ma y damage the radio frequency remote 
control. For this reason, always replac e the dead battery with another of the 
same size and power.
For the sake of the environment
The flat batteries must  be thrown away in accordance with regulations 
governing the protection of the environment.Synchronising the remote control key
If it is not possible to unlock or lock the door with the remote 
control, it should be re-synchronised.– Press the    ⇒page 98, fig. 63  button on the remote control.
– Then close the vehicle using the key bit  within one minute.It is possible that the vehicle could no longer be opened and closed with the 
remote control if the button   is repeatedly pressed outside the radio 
frequency remote control effective scope.  The remote control key will have to 
be resynchronised.
Spare remote control keys are available  in your Authorised Service Centres, 
where they must be matched to the locking system.
Up to eight remote control keys can be used.
A1
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Unlocking and locking
100Anti-theft alarm system*Description of anti-theft alarm system*
The anti-theft alarm triggers if unauthorised movements are 
detected around the vehicle.The anti-theft alarm makes it more diffi cult to break into the vehicle or steal 
it. Audible and visible alarms are triggered if the car is opened using the key, 
or if unauthorised access to the vehicle is forced.
The anti-theft alarm system is automatically connected on locking the 
vehicle. The system is then primed.
When does the system trigger an alarm?
The system triggers an alarm if the following unauthorised actions are carried 
out when the car is locked:•
Mechanical opening of the vehicle with the vehicle key
•
Opening a door
•
Opening the bonnet
•
Opening the tailgate
•
Switching on the ignition
•
Movements in the vehicle
•
Undue manipulation of the alarm
•
Battery handling
The acoustic signals sound and the indicators flash for approx. 30 seconds. 
This may be repeated up to 10 times depending on the country.
Opening the doors mechanically (emergency opening)
If the remote control function fails, you will have to use the key to unlock the 
car. This is done as follows:
•
Unfold the key by pressing the button shown by the (arrow).
•
Use the lock on the driver door to un lock the vehicle. The anti-theft alarm 
system remains active, but an alarm is not triggered immediately.
•
Switch on the ignition within 15 seconds. When the ignition is switched 
on, the electronic immobiliser recognises a valid vehicle key and deactivates 
the anti-theft alarm system. If you do not switch on the ignition within 15 
seconds, the alarm is triggered.
How to switch the alarm off
When the vehicle is unlocked via the unlocking button of the remote control 
or when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.Note
•
If, after the alarm goes off, access is gained to a second secured zone 
(e.g. the tailgate is  opened after a door has been opened), the warning signal 
is triggered again.
•
Vehicle monitoring remains active even if the battery is disconnected or 
not working for any reason.
•
The alarm is triggered immediately if one of the battery cables is discon-
nected while the alarm system is active.
Volumetric sensor*
Monitoring or control function  incorporated in the anti-theft 
alarm* which detects unauthorized vehicle entry by means of 
ultrasound.The system consists of 3 sensors, 2 emitters and a receptor.
AlteaXL_EN.book  Seite 100  M ontag, 2. Februar 2009  12:26 12 

Unlocking and locking103
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
•
Always close the tailgate properly. Risk of accident or injury.
•
The tailgate must not be opened when the reverse or rear fog lights are 
lit. This may damage the lighting units.
•
Do not close the tailgate by pushing  it down with your hand on the rear 
window. The glass could smash. Risk of injury!
•
Ensure the tailgate is locked after closing it. If not, it may open unex-
pectedly while driving.
•
If the tailgate is not fully closed, open it with the handle and close it 
again correctly. Do not try to close it by pressing on the surface of the tail-
gate, as this may damage the surface.
•
Never allow children to play in or ar ound 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.
•
Closing the tailgate without observing and ensuring it is clear could 
cause serious injury to you and to third  parties. Make sure that no one is in 
the path of the tailgate.
•
Never drive with the tailgate open or half-closed, exhaust gases may 
penetrate into the interior of th e vehicle. Danger of poisoning!
•
If you only open the tailgate, do not leave the key inside. The vehicle 
will not be opened if the key is left inside.
Emergency opening
This allows the vehicle to be opened if the central locking 
does not operate (for example, if the battery is flat)There is a groove in the boot allowing access to the emergency 
opening mechanism.
Opening the tailgate from inside the luggage compartment
– Insert the key bit in the groove and unlock the locking system,  turning the key from right to left, as shown by the arrow 
⇒fig. 67 .
Fig. 67  Tailgate: emer-
gency open
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Unlocking and locking105
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Note
If the window is not able to close because it is stiff or because of an obstruc-
tion, the window will automatically open again  ⇒page 105. If this happens, 
check why the window could not be clos ed before attempting to close it 
again.One-touch opening and closing
One-touch opening and closing means you do not have to 
hold down the button.One-touch closing
– Pull up the window button briefl y up to the second position. The 
window closes fully.
One-touch opening
– Push down the window button briefly up to the second position.  The window opens fully.
Restoring one-touch opening and closing
– Close all windows.
– Use the key to lock the vehicle from outside and hold the key in  the lock position for at least one second. The one-touch function 
is now ready for operation.The buttons  ⇒page 104, fig. 68    and   have two levels for opening the 
window and two for closing it. This makes it easier to open and close windows 
to the desired position. One-touch closing does not work when the ignition has been switched off, 
even if the key is in the ignition.
The automatic open and close function wi
ll not work if the battery has been 
temporarily disconnected, or if the battery is flat. The function then has to be 
reactivated.
The one-touch function and roll-back function will not work if there is a 
malfunction in the electric windows.  Contact an Authorised Service Centre.
Roll-back function
The windows have a roll-back function. This reduces the risk 
of injuries when the windows are closing.•
If a window is obstructed when closing automatically, the window stops 
at this point and lowers immediately  ⇒.
•
If this happens, check immediately (within 10 seconds) why the window 
could not be closed before  attempting to close it again. After 10 seconds the 
normal automatic function resumes.
•
If the window is still obstructed, th e window will stop at this point.
•
If there is no obvious reason why the window cannot be closed, try to 
close it again within five seconds.
If you wait longer than 5 - 10 seconds, the window will open fully when you 
operate one of the buttons. One-touch closing is reactivated.
The one-touch function and roll-back function will not work if there is a 
malfunction in the electric windows. Contact an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
•
Incorrect use of the electric windows can result in injury.
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Lights and visibility115
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
2.  Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights  ⇒.
3.  Switch the engine off.
4.  Apply the handbrake.
5.  On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear, and for an automatic  move the selector lever to  P.
6.  Use the warning triangle to draw  the attention of other road users 
to your vehicle.
7.  Always take the vehicle key wi th you when you leave the vehicle.You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for 
instance when:•
reaching the tail end of a traffic jam,
•
there is an emergency
•
your vehicle breaks down due to a technical fault,
•
you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are 
switched on. That is that the two turn signal indicator lamps 
  and the 
indicator lamp in the switch 
 will flash at the same time. The hazard 
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
Emergency braking function
When the vehicle detects sudden brakin g, the hazard warning lights auto-
matically come on to warn vehicles behind. The hazard warning lights go off 
when the vehicle accelerates or the hazard warning light switch is pressed.
WARNING
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always 
use the hazard warning lights and a wa rning triangle to draw the attention 
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
•
Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with 
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt 
petrol. This could start a fire!Note
•
The battery will run down if the hazard  warning lights are left on for a long 
time, even if the ignition is switched off.
•
The use of the hazard warning lights de scribed here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
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Lights and visibility
118
NoteIf not all the vehicle doors are closed, th e interior lights will be switched off 
after approx. 10 minutes, providing th e key has been removed and the cour-
tesy light position selected. This prevents the battery from discharging.Front interior light type 2The switch    ⇒fig. 79  is used to select the following positions:
Courtesy light position 
Rocker switch in flat position (not ac tivated). The interior lights are automat-
ically switched on when the vehicle is unlocked or the key removed from the 
ignition lock And turn off approx. 20 seconds after closing the doors. The inte-
rior lights are switched off when the vehicle is locked or when the ignition is 
switched on. Interior light switched on 
Push the switch to the position 
.
Interior light switched off O
Push the switch to position O  ⇒page 118, fig. 79.
Note
If not all the vehicle doors are closed, the interior lights will be switched off 
after approx. 10 minutes, providing the key has been removed and the cour-
tesy light position selected. This pr events the battery from discharging.
Fig. 79  Interior roof trim: 
front interior lights
AA
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Lights and visibility
120light turns off about 20 seconds after closing the doors. The interior lights are 
switched off when the vehicle is locked  or when the ignition is switched on.
Interior lights or both reading lights switched on 
Turn the control to position  .
Note
If not all the vehicle doors are closed, th e interior lights will be switched off 
after approx. 10 minutes, providing th e key has been removed and the cour-
tesy light position selected. This prevents the battery from discharging.VisibilitySun visors
The sun visors for the driver and the front passenger can be pulled out of their 
mountings in the centre of the vehicle and turned towards the doors  ⇒fig. 83  
The make-up mirrors in the sun visors  have covers. When you open the cover 
, a lamp in the roof lights up.
The lamp* in the roof lining will go out when the vanity mirror cover is pushed 
back or the sun visor is pushed back up.
Note
The roof lamp will turn of f about 10 minutes following  the removal of the igni-
tion key. This prevents the battery from discharging.Sun visor*
The windows on the rear doors are fitted with a sun visor
A5
Fig. 83  Sun visor on the 
driver side
A1A2
Fig. 84  Rear door sun 
visor
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