
Unlocking and locking
106•
Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you only 
intend to be gone for a short time. Please ensure that children are never left 
alone inside the vehicle.
•
The electric windows will work until the key has been removed from the 
ignition and one of the front doors has been opened.
•
Never close the tailgate without observin g  a n d  e n s u r i n g  i t  i s  c l e a r,  t o  d o  
otherwise could cause serious injury to you and third parties. Make sure 
that no one is in the path of a window.
•
Never allow people to remain in th e vehicle when you close the vehicle 
from the outside. The windows cannot be opened even in an emergency.Note
The roll-back function is deactivated if the windows are closed from the 
outside of the vehicle using the ignition key for convenience closing 
⇒ page 106.Convenience opening and closing* Using the door lock
– Hold the key in the door lock of the driver door in either the 
locking or the unlocking position until all windows are either 
opened or closed.
– Release the key to interrupt this function. Using the remote control
– Push the lock button on the remote control for about 3 seconds. 
All windows which function electric ally will be either opened or 
closed.
– Press the unlock button to interrupt the function.
– Once the windows are completely closed, the indicators will  flash.
Sliding/tilting roof*Opening and closing the sliding/tilting roof
The sliding/tilting sunroof is opened and closed using the 
rotary button when the ignition is switched on.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 69  Roof lining 
description: rotary sun 
roof control / deflector
AlteaXL_EN.book  Seite 106  M ontag, 2. Februar 2009  12:26 12 

Unlocking and locking107
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Closing the sliding/tilting sunroof
– Turn the rotary button to position    ⇒fig. 69  ⇒ .
Opening/tilting the sliding/tilting sunroof
– Turn the rotary button to position  . The sunroof opens to the  convenience position where wind noise is reduced.
– To open the roof further, turn the switch to position   and hold  the switch in this position until the roof opens to the desired 
position.
Tilting the sliding/tilting sunroof
– Turn the rotary button to position  .Always close the sliding/tilting roof fully if you park the vehicle or leave it 
unattended  ⇒.
The sliding/tilting sunroof can be operat ed for up to about ten minutes after 
the ignition has been switched off, pr ovided the driver door and the front 
passenger door are not opened.
Sunroof blind
The sunroof blind is opened together with  the sliding/tilting roof. If required, 
it can be closed by hand when the sunroof is closed.
WARNING
•
Incorrect use of the sliding/tilting sunroof can result in injury.
•
Never close the sliding/tilting sunr oof without observing and ensuring 
it is clear, to do otherwise could cause serious injury to you and others. 
Make sure that no one is in the  path of the sliding/tilting sunroof.
•
Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.
•
Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle, particularly if 
they have access to the keys. Unsupervised use of a key could mean that 
the engine is started or that electrical equipment is used (e.g. electric 
sliding/tilting sunroof). Risk of accide nt! The doors can be locked using the 
remote control key. This could make the aid difficult in an emergency situ-
ation.
•
The sliding/tilting sunroof continues  to function until one of the front 
doors is opened and the key removed from the ignition.
Convenience closing*Using the door lock
– Hold the key in the door lock of the driver's door in the locking  position until the sliding/tilting sunroof is closed.
– Release the key to interrupt this function.
Using the remote control
– Push the lock button on the remo te control for about 3 seconds. 
The sliding/tilting sunroof is closed.
– Release the unlock button to interrupt the function.
– When the sliding/tilting sunroof has closed completely, the indi- cators flash once.
AAAB
AC
AD
WARNING (continued)
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Unlocking and locking
108
NoteThe sliding/tilting sunroof rotary button  remains in the last position selected 
if the roof is closed using convenience closing from outside the vehicle and 
will have to be re-positioned the next time you drive.Roll-back function of the sliding/tilting roof*
The sliding/tilting roof has a  roll-back function which prevents larger objects 
getting trapped when the roof is closed. The roll-back function does not 
prevent fingers getting pinched against  the roof opening. The sliding/tilting 
sunroof stops and opens again immediately if it is obstructed when closing.
If the sliding/tilting roof has been opened again by the roll-back function, it 
can be closed only by pressing the rotary  button at the front in position   
⇒ fig. 70  until the sliding/tilting roof has closed fully. Please note that the 
sunroof will now close without the roll-back function.
Operation in the event of a breakdown
In case of a breakdown, the sunroof can be closed manually.•
Remove the plastic cover by inserting a screwdriver in the rear section.
•
Remove the lever from the cover fastening, insert it in the opening as far 
as possible (pushing against the spring) and close the sliding roof.
•
Fit the lever back into position.
Fig. 70  Roof lining 
description: rotary sun 
roof control / deflector
Fig. 71  Emergency 
closing handle
AA
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Seats and stowage
150Partition net*
The partition grille prevents loose objects in the luggage 
compartment from being thrown forward into the passenger 
compartment (e.g. under sudden braking).
– Pull the net from underneath between the seatback and the 
folding tray and fit it to the allotments on the roof, first to the 
right then to the left  ⇒fig. 125.
– Hook the belts into the front anchor rings to tense the net  ⇒fig. 126.Roof carrier*Please observe the following points if you intend to carry loads on the roof:•
For safety reasons, only luggage racks and accessories approved by SEAT 
should be used.
•
It is essential that you follow the assembly instructions included with the 
bars exactly, being especially careful  to position front and rear luggage 
compartment cover bars on the special housings on the longitudinal bars. 
You must also respect their position acco rding to the direction of travel indi-
cated in the assembly manual. Not following these instructions may lead to 
marks on the longitudinal bars.
•
Distribute the load evenly. A maximum load of 40 kg only is permitted for 
each roof carrier system support bar, the load must be distributed evenly 
along the entire length. However, the maximum load permitted for the entire 
roof (including the support system) of 75 kg must not be exceeded nor should 
the total weight of the vehicle be exceeded. See the chapter on “Technical 
Data”.
•
When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof, any change in the 
normal vehicle behaviour due to a change in the centre of gravity or an 
increased wind resistance must be taken into account. For this reason, a suit-
able speed and driving style must be used.
•
For those vehicles fitted with a sunroof*, ensure that it does not interfere 
with the load on the roof carrier system when opened.
Fig. 125  Separation netFig. 126  Anchor rings for 
the separation net
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
200Vehicle exterior maintenanceAutomatic car wash tunnel
The car can normally be washed without problem in an auto-
matic car wash.The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the car can normally be washed 
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, the paint-
work wear depends to a large extent, on the kind of the car washing tunnel, 
the brushes used, its water filtering and the type of cleaning and preservative 
products.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions such 
as closing the windows and sunroof. There is nothing to note apart from that.
If the vehicle has special accessories such  as spoilers or a roof carrier or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car washing tunnel oper-
ator.
After washing, the  brakes could hesitate to respond as the brake discs and 
pads could be wet, or even frozen in winter. “Dry” the brakes by braking 
several times.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of acci-
dent.
Caution
If an automatic car wash tunnel is u sed, before entering the tunnel, put the 
aerial down parallel to the roof and do not tighten to avoid damage.
Washing by handVehicle washing
– First soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off.
– Clea n you r vehicle from  top to  bo ttom  with a soft sponge, a g love  or a brush. Use very light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean water.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
– Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. until last with a different  sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry your vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
–When  temperature is cold , dry the rubber seals and its surfaces 
to prevent them from freezing. Ap ply silicone spray to the rubber 
seals.
After washing
– Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry”  ⇒page 190, “Braking effect and braking distance”the brakes by 
braking several times.
WARNING
•
Wash your car with the ignition switched off.
•
Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when 
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of 
injury.
AlteaXL_EN.book  Seite 200  M ontag, 2. Februar 2009  12:26 12 

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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If and when
252Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain 
models or are optional extras. Please note that the above list, while correct at the time of printing, is subject 
to alterations. If discrepancies should 
occur, please refer to the sticker on the 
inside of the fuse cover for the  correct information for your model.
Fuses layout, engine compartment, left partFuses
40
Trailer control unit (indicators, brakes and left 
side)
20
41
Trailer control unit (fog light, reversing light and 
right side)
20
42
BCM wiring switchboard
20
43
Trailer pre-installation
40
44
Rear window heater
25
45
Electric windows (front)
30
46
Rear electric windows
30
47
Engine (Fuel control unit, petrol relay)
15
48
Convenience controls
20
49
Heating controls
40
50
Heated seats
30
51
Sunroof
20
52
Headlight washer system
20
53
Vacant
20
54
Taxi (taximeter power supply)
5
55
Vacant
20
56
Taxi (taximeter power supply)
15
57
Vacant
58
Central locking control unit 
30
Number
Consumer
Amps
Number
Consumer
Amps
1
Windscreen wipers
20
2
DQ200 gearbox
30
3
Cable control unit
5
4
ABS
20
5
AQ gearbox
15
6
 Instrument panel/Steering column
5
7
Ignition key
40
8
Radio
15
9
Telephone/TomTom Navigator
5
10
Engine management
5
Engine management
10
11
Va ca n t
12
Electronic control unit
5
13
Petrol injection module supply
15
Diesel injection module supply
30
14
Coil
20
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If and when
262Sunroof light– Carefully remove the lamp, using the flat side of the screwdriver, 
as shown in the figure  ⇒fig. 198 . – Remove the bulb, moving it in the direction of the arrow and 
outwards  ⇒fig. 198 .
Jump-startingJump leads
The jump lead must have a sufficient wire cross section.If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can be 
connected to the battery of anot her vehicle to start the engine.
Jump leads
Jump leads must comply with the standard  DIN 72553 (see manufacturer's 
documentation). The wire cross section must be at least 25 mm
2 for petrol 
engines and at least 35 mm
2 for diesel engines.
Note
•
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as 
soon as the positive terminals are connected.
•
The discharged battery must be properly connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system.
Fig. 197  Removing 
sunroof lightFig. 198  Removing 
sunroof light
AlteaXL_EN.book  Seite 262  M ontag, 2. Februar 2009  12:26 12