2009 Seat Altea XL snow chains

Cockpit
78wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance.Washer fluid

This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low.This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
⇒ page 222.
The following message is shown on the instrument panel display*
11): REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID .
Alternator


This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp
 lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go
out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest qualified
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipm ent that is not absolutely necessary
because this will drain the battery.
Tyre pressure*

The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.The tyre monitor
12) compares wheel revolutions and with this information,
the diameter of each wheel using the ESP sensors. If the diameter of a wheel
changes, the tyre monitor indicator lights . The wheel diameter changes
when:
•
Tyre pressure is insufficient.
•
The tyre structure is damaged.
•
The vehicle is unbalanc ed because of a load.
•
The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving with
a trailer or on extreme slopes).
•
The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
•
The emergency wheel is fitted.
11)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
12)Depending on the model version
Fig. 49 Centre console:
tyre monitor system
button
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Driving
164•
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest ⇒ page 163,
fig. 136. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•
If your physical constitution do es not allow you to mantain the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The
Authorised Service Centre will help you to decide if special specific modifi-
cations are necessary.
•
If you adjust the steering wheel so tha t it points towards your face, the
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steer ing wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock positi on, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases,
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP ) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control sy stem (TCS). The ESP function works
together with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP is always active, and cannot be switched off. With the ESP switch it is
only possible to switch TCS off.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:•
When driving with snow chains,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 137 Detail of the
centre console: ESP
button
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Intelligent technology185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
With compact temporary spare wheel.
•
When using the snow chains.
•
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
•
When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that TCS cann ot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particular ly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by TCS tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wh eels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
XDS*
Driveshaft differentialWhen taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel
which is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque provided to the inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the
outer wheel receives a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This causes
an overall loss of lateral grip on the front shaft, resulting in understeering or
“lengthening” of the path.
The XDS system is able, using the ESP sensors and signals, to detect and
correct this effect.
The XDS, via the ESP, brakes the inner wheel thus counteracting the excess
drive torque in this wheel. This means that the path requested by the driver
is more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active,
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the
vehicle's stability on the road.The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the danger of skid-
ding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of
ABS, EDL, TCS and
Steering manoeuvre recommendations.
Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehi cle. If the desired course is not being
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Intelligent technology187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
•
When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow,
press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may start to
spin. This could impair the vehicle's stability.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit road conditions and the traffic
situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by EDL tempt you into taking
any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wh eels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the EDL ⇒ page 208.The traction control system (TCS)The traction control system prevents th e drive wheels from spinning when the
car is accelerating ⇒page 184.Four-wheel drive*
On four-wheel drive models, the engine power is distributed
to all four wheelsGeneral notes
The four-wheel-drive system operates completely automatically. The propul-
sion force is distributed among the four wheels and adapted to the driving
style and the road conditions. The four-wheel drive is specially designed to complement the superior engine
power. This combination gives the car exceptional handling and performance
capabilities – both on normal roads and in more difficult conditions, such as
snow and ice.
Winter tyres
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we still recommend
that winter tyres or all-season tyres sh
ould be fitted on all four wheels when
winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars with
four-wheel drive.
Changing tyres
On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four tyres must have the same rolling
circumference ⇒page 235.
WARNING
•
Even with four-wheel drive, you should always adjust your speed to suit
the conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking
any risks when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
•
The braking capability of your vehicle is limited by the tyres' grip.
Vehicle behaviour is no different from a vehicle without four-wheel drive.
So do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slippery roads just because
the car still has good acceleration in these conditions. Failure to do so
could result in an accident.
•
On wet roads bear in mind that the front wheels may start to “aqua-
plane” and lose contact with the road if the car is driven too fast. If this
should happen, there will be no su dden increase in engine speed when
“aquaplaning” begins to warn the driver, as with a front-wheel drive car.
For this reason and for that mentio ned above, always choose a driving
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Wheels and tyres
234
Driving with anti-puncture tyres (emergency gear)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (electronic stabilisation programme) switched on, or switch on ⇒page 185.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h maximum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Look out for the ESP/TCS intervening often, smoke coming from the tyres or the smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrating or a clat-
tering noise. If any of these occur, stop the vehicle.The anti-puncture tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description:
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air they are
supported on the sides (emergency driving).
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can
then drive a maximum of 80 km and if the circumstances are favourable (for
example, low load), even more.
The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should be
checked in a specialist workshop to detect possible damage and replace it if
necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more than one
tyre is being used under emergency co nditions, this reduces the distance
which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When the loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this
implies that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions ⇒.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
•
smoke is coming from one of the tyres,
•
there is a smell of rubber,
•
the vehicle vibrates,
•
there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to co ntinue driving even using anti-puncture
tyres?
•
If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a tyre
has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be thrown
off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.
•
It is also advisable to stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel
starts overheating and gives off smoke.
WARNING
When driving in emergency conditions, the driving quality of the vehicle is
considerably impaired.•
The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h is subject to road and
weather conditions. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
•
Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres, and brake earlier than usual.
•
Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
•
If one or more tyres is being driven in emergency conditions, the driving
quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•
The anti-puncture tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they
are supported on the reinforced sides. Th erefore defects in the tyre can not be
detected with a visual inspection.
•
Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency
conditions.
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Wheels and tyres237
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
stickers are available from your Authorised Service Centre. The legal require-
ments of each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for u
nnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with
summer tyres handle better when the roads are free of snow and ice.
If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the notes on the spare wheel
⇒ page 235, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyre s must not be exceeded. Otherwise,
this could lead to tyre damage and thus, an accident risk.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres in good time. They are quieter, do not wear so quickly
and reduce fuel consumption.Snow chainsSnow chains are only permitted on the front wheels and only for
tyres195/65R15 and 205/55R16. These tyres may only be fitted with fine-
pitch link chains which do not protrude more than 15 mm ⇒page 235.
Snow chains must have fine-pitch link s which do not protrude more than 9
mm, including tension device.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains. For safety
reasons cover caps, available in any Authorised Service Centre, must then be
fitted over the wheel bolts.
Four-wheel drive : where snow chains are compulsory on certain roads, this
normally also applies to cars with four-wheel drive. Snow chains may only be
fitted to the front wheels (also on vehicles with four-wheel drive).
WARNING
Snow chains should be correctly tightened in accordance with the manu-
facturer's instructions. This will prevent the chains coming into contact
with the wheel housing.
Caution
You must remove the snow chains to drive on roads which are free of snow.
Otherwise they will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very
quickly.
Note
•
In some countries, the speed limit for using snow chains is 50 km/h. The
legal requirements of the country should be followed.
•
We recommend that you ask your Appr oved Service Centre for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
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If and when239
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Compact temporary spare wheel*
The compact spare wheel (emergency wheel for vehicles
without the anti-puncture kit) should only be used when
strictly necessary.The temporary spare wheel is stored under the floor panel in the luggage
compartment and is attached by a thumbnut.
How to use the compact temporary spare wheel
Should you ever have a punctured tyre, the compact temporary spare wheel
is only intended for temporary use until you can reach a workshop. The
standard-size road wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
Please note the following restrictions when using the compact temporary
spare wheel. This spare wheel has been specially designed for your vehicle,
thus, it cannot be changed with th e spare wheel from another vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on the
compact temporary spare wheel rim. Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not
be used on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel.
If you should have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow
chains, fit the compact temporary spare in place of one of the rear wheels.
You can then attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and use
this wheel to replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
•
The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possible.
The emergency tyre pressure for dimensions 125/70R16 125/70R18
135/90R16 is 4.2 bar; for all other tyre di mensions please refer to the label
on the fuel cap. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. Hi gher speeds can cause an accident.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering. Risk of acci-
dent.
•
Never use two or more compact spare tyres at the same time, risk of
accident.
•
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.
Tyre repair kit
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a spare wheel) is
stored under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.Your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System “Tyre repair kit”.
The tyre repair kit consists of a contai ner with sealing compound to repair the
puncture and a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit will
Fig. 170 Luggage
compartment. Access to
the spare wheel
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Index293
Using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Using seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Safety system- safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128, 131, 133
Seat belt position Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Seat belt release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Seat belt warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Incorrectly fastened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Not worn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belts cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Seat belts protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Selective opening* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Selector lever locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Self directional headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
servotronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Sitting position Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Incorrect sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Sitting position, occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate
filter
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Starting on an uphill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Starting Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166, 167 After the fuel tank has been run dry . . . . . . 167
Steam jets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Steering lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Steering wheel audio controls audio + telephone version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
audio version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Steering wheel height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . 163 Stowage area
Centre arm rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Other stowage areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Stowage compartment Front passenger side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Stowage in the luggage compartment . . . . . . . 138
Sun visor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Sunroof blind Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Switch Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Switches Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Electrical exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
TTailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Emergency opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tank fuel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
reserve indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
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