Safe driving11
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
– Fasten your safety belt securely ⇒page 19.
– Keep both feet in the foot well so that you have the vehicle under control at all times.Adjustment of the driver's seat ⇒page 132.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the driver can lead to severe injuries.•Adjust the driver's seat so that there is at least 25 cm distance between
the centre of the chest and the centre of the steering wheel ⇒page 10,
fig. 1 . If you are sitting nearer than 25 cm, the airbag system cannot protect
you properly.•If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a qualified workshop. The workshop
will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This reduces the
risk of injury when the driver airbag is triggered.•Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other
manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the
airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands and head.•To reduce the risk of injury to the driver during sudden braking manoeu-
vres or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted far back! The airbag
system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection when the back-
rest is in an upright position and the driver is wearing his or her seat belt
properly. The further the backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk
of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web or to the incorrect
sitting position!•Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve optimal protection.
Proper sitting position for front passenger
The front passenger must sit at least 25 cm away from the
dash panel so that the airbag can provide the greatest
possible protection in the event that it is triggered.For your own safety and to re duce the risk of in jur y in the eve nt of an
accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the front
passenger:
– Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible ⇒.
– Move the backrest to an upright position so that your back rests completely against it.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same
level as the top of your head ⇒page 13.
– Keep both feet in the footwell in front of the front passenger seat.
– Fasten your safety belt securely ⇒page 19.It is possible to deactivate the passenger airbag in exceptional circum-
stances ⇒ page 25.
For detailed information on how to adjust the front passenger's seat, see
⇒ page 135.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the front passenger can lead to severe
injuries.
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Airbag system
44Deactivating airbags*Disabling front passenger airbag
If you fit a rear-facing child seat to the front passenger seat,
the front passenger airbag must be de-activated.
When the passenger airbag is deactivated, this means that only the
frontal airbag is deactivated. All the other airbags in the vehicle
remain functional.
Disabling front passenger airbag
– Switch the ignition off.
– Turn the ignition switch in the key operated switch in the glove box to the position OFF ⇒ fig. 26 .
– Check that the warning lamp “OFF” on the instrument panel ⇒fig. 27 remains lit when the ignition is switched on ⇒.
Enabling front passenger airbag
– Switch the ignition off.
– Turn the ignition switch in the key-operated switch in the glove box to the position ON ⇒ fig. 26 .
Fig. 26 In the glovebox:
key for enabling and disa-
bling front passenger
airbag
Fig. 27 Warning lamp for
deactivated passenger
airbag in centre console
altea_EN Seite 44 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18
Airbag system45
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
– Check that the warning lamp on the instrument panel does
⇒page 44, fig. 27 not light up when the ignition is switched on
⇒ .
WARNING
•The driver is responsible for the proper position of the key-operated
switch. •You should deactivate the front passenger airbag only when, in excep-
tional cases, you have to use a rear-facing child seat ⇒page 46, “Child
safety”•Never install a child seat facing backwards (or rear-facing) on the front
passenger seat unless the front passenger airbag has been disabled. This
represents a risk of fatal injuries to the child! However, if it is necessary in
exceptional circumstances to transport a child in a rear-facing child seat on
the front passenger seat, you must always disable the front passenger
airbag.•As soon as the child seat is no longer needed on the front passenger
seat, enable the front passenger airbag again.•Only deactivate the passenger airbag when the ignition is off, other-
wise a fault may occur in the airbag system, this will create a danger that
in case of an accident, the airbag does not deploy properly or does not
deploy at all.•When the passenger airbag is deactivated, if the warning lamp AIRBAG
OFF is not continuously lit up when the front passenger airbag is disabled,
there may be a fault in the airbag system:
−Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a qualified work-
shop.
− Do not use a child seat on the front passenger seat! The front
passenger airbag could be triggered despite the fact that there is a fault
in the system and, as a result, a child could sustain serious or fatal inju-
ries. −
It is predictable whether the front passenger airbag will deploy
during an accident! Warn all your passengers of this.
•When using the ignition key to activate / deactivate the passenger front
airbag, only the passenger front airbag will be activated / deactivated. The
side airbag and head airbag on the passenger side will remain active.WARNING (continued)
altea_EN Seite 45 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18
Child safety51
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Securing child seatsWays to secure a child seat
A child seat can be secured differently on the rear seat and on
the front passenger seat.You can secure a child seat to the rear seat or front passenger seat in the
following ways:•Child seats in groups 0 to 3 can be secured with a seat belt.•Child seats for groups 0, 0+ and 1 with the “ISOFIX” system can be
secured without fastening seat belts, using the “ISOFIX” and ⇒page 51
securing rings.
U: Suitable for universal approved restraining systems for use in this age category (universal retention systems are those fitted using the adult
seat belt).
*: Move the passenger seat as far to rear as possible, as high as possible and always deactivate the airbag.
L: Suitable for retention systems using the “ISOFIX” anchors
WARNING
•When travelling, children must be secured in the vehicle with a
restraint system suitable for age, weight and size.•Never install a child seat facing backwards (or rear-facing) on the front
passenger seat unless the front passenger airbag has been disabled. This
could cause fatal injuries to the child! However, if it is necessary, in excep-
tional cases, to transport a child in the front passenger seat, the front
passenger airbag must always be disabled ⇒page 44, “Deactivating
airbags*” and move the seat to its highest position, in case it has this
adjustment.•Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use
of child seats ⇒ in “Safety notes on using child seats” on page 47.
Securing child seat with the “ISOFIX” system
The child seat with “ISOFIX” system can be secured quickly,
easily and safely on the rear outer seats using the system
Category
Weight
Seat locations
Front passen-
ger
Rear outer
Rear centre
Group 0
<10 kg
U*
U/L
U
Group 0+
<13 kg
U*
U/L
U
Group 1
9-18 kg
U*
U/L
U
Group 2 / 3
15-36 kg
U*
U
U
Fig. 31 ISOFIX securing
rings
altea_EN Seite 51 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18
Cockpit55
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Operating instructionsCockpitOverviewOverview of the instrument panel
This overview will help you to familiarise yourself with the
controls and displays.
Door release lever
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighting control for instrument and control lighting . . . . . . . .
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air vent
Turn signal and main beam lever and cruise control system* .
Controls on the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dash panel:
−Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Indication lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn (works only when the ignition is on)/ and driver front
airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wiper and windscreen wash lever and operation of
the multi-function display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Left seat heating button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls for
− Heating* and ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . −
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio/Navigator*
Right seat heating button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indication lamp for deactivated front passenger airbag . . . . .
Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove compartment lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear shift lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls on the centre console:
− Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Tyre pressure control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Park Pilot* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Cigarette lighter / Socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Wing mirror adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Start-Stop* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard warning light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column control lever* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handle for releasing the bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Button for opening and closing the front windows . . . . . . . . .
A1A2
113
A3
117
A4
117
A5A6
120, 188
A7
87
A8
57
61
77
A9
30
A10
125, 63
A11
136
A12
155 157
161
A13A14
136
A15
44
A16
30
A17
139
A18
178
A19
144
A20
95
195 82
185
148
130
174
A21
183
A22
118
A23A24
169
A25
167
A26
226
A27
108
altea_EN Seite 55 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18
Cockpit
78
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and control lamps
Further infor- mation
Fuel level / reserve
⇒page 79
Coolant level / coolant temperature
⇒page 79
Rear fog light switched on
⇒page 80
Turn signals in operation
⇒page 80
Engine fault (petrol engine)
⇒page 80
Glow plug system for diesel engine
⇒page 80
Main beam switched on
⇒page 81
Pollen accumulation in the diesel
engine particulate filter
⇒page 81
ABS system fault
⇒page 81
Windscreen washer fluid level
⇒page 82
Alternator fault
⇒page 82
Fasten seat belts!
⇒page 19
Tyre pressure
⇒page 82
Airbag or belt tension device system
fault or airbag disabled
⇒page 28
⇒ page 31
A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13
Bulb defective
⇒page 84
Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system
⇒page 83
Engine oil pressure
⇒page 84
Cruise control system switched on
⇒page 84
Door open indicator
⇒page 84
Electromechanical steering
⇒page 84
Fault in the emission control system
⇒page 85
If flashing: electronic stabilisation pro-
gramme (ESP) or the TCS is working or
deactivated
If it remains lit: ESP malfunction or off
⇒page 85
⇒ page 168
Automatic selector lever lock (automatic
gearbox)
⇒page 86
SAFE
Electronic immobiliser
⇒page 86
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and control lamps
Further infor-
mation
A14A15A16A17A18A19A20A21A22
altea_EN Seite 78 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18
Unlocking and locking97
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Unlocking all doors and the boot
The unlock button on the remote must be pressed twice so that all doors
and the boot can be opened.
Press twice within 2 seconds to deactivate the “Safe” system for all vehicle,
to unlock all doors and to use the boot. The indicator and the alarm (only vehi-
cles fitted with one) are turned off.
Automatic speed dependent locking and unlocking system*
This is a safety system which prevent the access to the vehicle
from the outside when it is running (for example, when
stopped at a traffic light).Locking
The doors and the boot are automatically locked when vehicle speed exceeds
15 km/h.
If the vehicle is stopped and one of the doors is opened, when the vehicle
moves off again and exceeds a speed of 15 km/h, the unlocked door(s) will
be locked once more.
Unlocking
The driver's door automatically unlocks when the key is removed from the
ignition.
Each door can be unlocked and opened independently from the inside (for
example, when a passenger gets out of it). To do it, simply operate the lever
inside the door.
WARNING
The door handles must not be operated when the vehicle is running: the
door would open.
Automatic locking system for involuntary unlocking*
It is an anti-theft system and prevents the unintentional
unlocking of the vehicle.If the vehicle is unlocked and any of the doors (including the tailgate) are
opened within 30 seconds, it gets re-locked automatically. This function
prevents the vehicle from remaining unlocked if the unlock button is pressed
by mistake.Emergency unlocking systemIf the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle gets unlocked,
except for the boot. It is possible to lock the vehicle from inside with the
central locking, after turning the ignition off and back on again.
If the doors must be locked from the outside, see “Emergency locking of the
doors”.
altea_EN Seite 97 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18
Driving
168•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 167,
fig. 135 . If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.•If your physical constitution does not allow you to maintain 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 that 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 steering 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 position, 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 programme (ESP) includes the electronic differen-
tial lock (EDS), the traction control system (TCS), the brake assist system
(BAS) and the trailer stability programme (TSP). 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. 136 Detail of the
centre console: ESP
button
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