2009 Seat Altea XL low oil pressure

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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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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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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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle201
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of
accident.Caution
•
Never remove dirt, mud or dust if the vehicle surface is dry. Never use a
dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could scratch the paintwork
or glass on your vehicle.
•
Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: when washing the vehicle with
a hose, do not direct water into the lo ck cylinders or the gaps around the
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Risk of freezing.For the sake of the environment
To protect environment, the car should be washed only in specially provided
wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water entering the sewerage
system. In some districts, washing vehicles outside wash bays is prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.Washing the car with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner, particularly those concerning the pressure and the spraying
distance . – Increase the spraying distance for soft materials and painted
bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows ⇒page 202.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles (“rotating jets”) ⇒.
– Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry” ⇒page 190 the brakes by braking several times.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet (“rotating nozzle”). Even at
large spraying distances and short cleaning times, visible and invisible
damage can occur to the tyres. This may cause an accident.
•
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of
accident.Caution
•
Do not use water hotter than 60°C. This could damage the vehicle.
•
To avoid damage to the vehicle, keep a sufficient distance from sensitive
materials such as flexible hoses, plastic, soundproofing material, etc. This is
also important for bumpers painted as the paintwork. The closer the nozzle is
to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.
Vehicle paint maintenance requirements
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.You need to apply wax to your car if water does not form small drops and run
off the paintwork when it is clean.
WARNING (continued)
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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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Wheels and tyres233
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒
page 232, fig. 168 , running across the tread. Depending on the make,
there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the
positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by
law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indica-
tors). Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export
countries ⇒.
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out.
For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per month
⇒ page 230.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable
to change them around as shown ⇒page 232, fig. 169 . All the tyres will then
last for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive
wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!•
The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater
risk of “aquaplaning”
•
At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.
•
If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked
by an Authorised Service Centre.
•
Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.
•
Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.Anti-puncture tyres
Anti-puncture tyres allow you to continue driving even with a
punctured tyre, in the majority of cases.Vehicles equipped with anti-puncture
22)
tyres from the factory indi-
cate the loss of tyre pressure on the instrument panel.
22)Depending upon version and country.
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