2010 Seat Altea Freetrack engine

Driving
174•If you must stop on a hill, always hold the vehicle using the footbrake
to avoid rolling back.•The footbrake must not be held for a long period of time, not even
lightly; continuous braking will cause overheating of the brakes and a
reduction or even a loss of braking power and a significant increase in
braking distances.•Never allow the vehicle to coast down a gradient with the selector lever
in positions N or D, even when the engine is not running. For descents, the
use of the Tiptronic programme is recommended to keep the speed
reduced.Caution
•Never use the automatic gearbox to hold the vehicle stationary on a hill,
even for short periods, as this may overheat the gearbox and cause damage.
Apply the handbrake or depress the foot brake to hold the vehicle in position.•If the vehicle is allowed to roll with the engine stopped but the selector in
position N then the gearbox may be damaged because it will not be
lubricated.
Changing gear with the Tiptronic gear system*
The Tiptronic system allows the driver to manually select
gears
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 145 Changing gear
with TiptronicFig. 146 Steering wheel
with levers for automatic
gearbox
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Driving175
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
General information about driving in Tiptronic mode.
Changing gear with the gear stick
–Put the lever in position D and press towards the right to enter
the Tiptronic gate ⇒page 174, fig. 145 .
– Press the gear lever forwards ⇒page 174, fig. 145 to select
a higher gear.
– Press the gear lever back ⇒page 174, fig. 145 to select a
lower gear.
Changing gear with the steering wheel levers
– Press the right paddle lever ( +OFF) towards the steering
wheel to change up ⇒ page 174, fig. 146.
– Press the left paddle towards the steering wheel to change
down ⇒page 174, fig. 146 .Using the levers on the steering wheel, you can access manual driving mode
regardless of the driving mode pre-selected.
General information about driving in Tiptronic mode
When accelerating, the automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox goes into a
higher gear a little before it reaches the maximum permitted revolutions.
If a lower gear is selected, the automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox does
not change down until the point is reached where the engine could no longer
overrev.
If the “Tiptronic” is selected whilst the vehicle is in motion and the automatic
gearbox / direct shift gearbox is in 3rd gear in selector lever position D, the
“Tiptronic” will then also be in 3rd gear. Changing gears in the normal or sport programme using the steering wheel
paddle levers
If the paddle levers ⇒
page 174, fig. 146 are used in the normal or sport
programme, the system switches temporarily to “Tiptronic” mode. To exit
“Tiptronic” mode again, press the right paddle lever towards the
steering wheel for approximately one second. You will also leave “Tiptronic”
mode if the paddle levers are not moved for a certain time.
Note
•The gearbox controls on the steering wheel can operate with the gear stick
in any position and with the vehicle in motion.Kickdown feature
The kickdown feature is designed to give maximum accelera-
tion.If you press the accelerator down thoroughly, the gearbox automatically
changes down, depending on speed and e ngine speed, into a lower gear to
take full advantage of the maximum acceleration of the vehicle.
The gearbox does not change gear until the engine reaches the maximum
determined engine speed for the gear.
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle if you accelerate on slippery road
surfaces. Risk of serious injury.•Be particularly careful when using the kickdown features on slippery
road surfaces. With fast acceleration, the vehicle could lose traction and
skid.
A+
A–A+
A–
+ OFF
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Driving177
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– The first gear should also be selected.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ .Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.•If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they
point towards the kerb .•If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .•Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and
engaging first gear.WARNING
•Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
unattended.
•Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.•Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.•Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle in
motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear lever /
selector lever.•Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Hill-start aid*
This function is only included in vehicles fitted with ESP.This device helps when starting uphill.
These are the basic operation conditions: doors closed, brake pedal pressed
down and vehicle in neutral. The system gets activated on engaging gear.
After removing your foot from the brake pedal, the braking force is maintained
for a few seconds to prevent the vehicle from moving backward when put into
gear. This short space of time is enough to start the vehicle with ease.
This system also works when reversing uphill.
WARNING
•If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain conditions.
Depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake immediately.WARNING (continued)
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Driving
178•If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake
immediately.•When following a line of traffic uphill, if you want to prevent the vehicle
from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal down
for a few seconds before starting off.Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop can tell you if your vehicle is
equipped with this system.Parking aid acoustic system* Rear parking aid
The parking aid system will use an acoustic signal to warn of
the approach of any object towards the rear of the vehicle.Description
The acoustic parking aid system will measure the distance between the rear
of the vehicle and any possible obstacle using four ultrasonic sensors located
on the rear bumper. The measuring range of the sensors starts at approxi-
mately and depending on the nature of the obstacle at a distance of:•side of the rear bumper: 0.8 m•middle of the rear bumper: 1.5 m
Activation
The system is activated by engagement of the reverse gear. A brief acoustic
signal confirms the activation and correct function of the system. Reverse gear
The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the
system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase
rapidly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 25 cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Trailer towing
For factory-fitted vehicles with a towing bar, the parking aid system will not
be activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a trailer, as
the trailer's electric connecter will be plugged into the vehicle.
Possible faults
If a continuous bleep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is
engaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.
If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the acoustic signal
warning of the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated
(by engaging the reverse gear). Thus, the system ready indication will not
sound either. Have the fault repaired by an Authorised Service Centre as soon
as possible.
If there is no ready signal or no acoustic warning signal, then the parking aid
loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.
To ensure that the system works properly, the sensors must be kept clean and
free of ice and snow.
WARNING
•The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles may not be detected.•Always look out for small children and animals because the system will
not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.
WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology183
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Practical tipsIntelligent technologyBrakesBrake servoThe brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It works
only when the engine is running .
If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle has
to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to
make up for the lack of servo assistance.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.•Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so
could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably
as the brake servo does not function.•If the brake servo is not working, for example when the vehicle is being
towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than
normal.
Brake assist system (BAS)*In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force.
This results in unnecessarily long braking distances. The brake assist system intervenes when you press the brake pedal very
quickly because the brake assist system registers an emergency situation. It
then very quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be acti-
vated more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system
switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.
Emergency braking function
When the vehicle detects sudden braking, 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 accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep
your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slippery
or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake assist
system.•The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery and
wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! Therefore, it is
essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic conditions.
Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when
driving.
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Intelligent technology
184Anti-lock brake system and traction control
M-ABS (ABS and TCS)Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking
during braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel.
The driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake
pedal and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or
more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has inter-
vened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed
so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is
retained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily gu arantee shorter braking distances in all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
•The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 230.•If the running gear or brakes are modified, the effectiveness of the ABS
could be severely limited.
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the car is accelerating.Description and operation of the traction control system during acceleration
(TCS)
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the drive wheels of front-wheel
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action.
TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
T h e T C S i s s wi tch e d o n a u t o m a t i ca ll y w h e n t h e e n g i n e i s s t a r te d . I f n e ce s sa r y,
it may be turned on or off pushing the button on the centre console.
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp is lit. The TCS should normally be left
switched on at all times. Only in exceptional circumstances, when slipping of
the wheels is required, should it be disconnected for example•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.”WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology185
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
•It must be remembered that TCS cannot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly 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 wheels 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 vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the car is starting to skid), then the ESP compen-
sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
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Intelligent technology
186Steering manoeuvre recommendations
This is a complementary safety function included in the ESP This function aids
the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation. For example, in
case of sudden braking surface with varied adherence, the vehicle will tend
to destabilize its trajectory to the right to or to the left. In this case the ESP
recognizes the situation and helps the driver with a counter steering
manoeuvre from the power steering.
This function simply provides the driver with a recommended manoeuvre in
critical situations.
The vehicle doesn't steer itself with this function, the driver has full control of
the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
•It must be remembered that ESP cannot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly 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 ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•In order to ensure that ESP functions 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 wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking
⇒ page 184.Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The system will control the revolutions of the drive wheels using the ABS
sensors (in case of an EDL fault the warning lamp for ABS lights up)
⇒ page 79.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-
ences in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by
a slippery road surface on one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other
driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braking wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will continue to
function normally without EDL. For this reason, the driver is not informed that
the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
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.
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