2010 Seat Altea XL parking brake

Contents3
ContentsManual structure
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Content
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Safety First
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Safe driving
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
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Brief Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating instructions
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Cockpit
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Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital display in the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dash panel menus* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel controls
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General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking
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Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and visibility
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Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and stowage
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The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
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Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
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Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . .
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox*
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control* (GRA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Practical tips
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Intelligent technology
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Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-ABS
(ABS and TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* . . . .
Driving and the environment
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Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gasses purification system . . . . . . . . . .
Economical and ecological driving . . . . . . . . . .
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 3 Dienstag, 1. September 2009 10:37 10

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
information

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 83

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 (auto-
matic gearbox)
⇒page 86
SAFE
Electronic immobiliser
⇒page 86
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and control lamps
Further
information
A14A15A16A17A18A19A20A21A22
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Driving175
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
•The temperature of the passenger compartment must be within the
convenience limits (button ⇒page 164, fig. 135 should be selected).•The windscreen de-mist function must be off.•If not , it requires an increase in airflow ⇒page 164, fig. 135 for more
than three presses.•Either of the temperature settings, HI or LO must not be set.•The driver's door must be closed.•The diesel particulate filter must not be in regeneration mode, for diesel
engines.•The battery charge must not be low for the next start.•The battery temperature must be between -1°C and 55°C.•The parking assistant, Park Assist* must not be activated.
Interrupting the Start-Stop function
In the following situations, the Start-Stop function will be interrupted and the
engine will automatically start:•The vehicle is moving.•The brake pedal is pressed several times in a row.•The battery has been discharged excessively.•The Start-Stop System has been manually deactivated.•The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.•The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the convenience
limits (button ⇒page 164, fig. 135 should be selected).•If in an increase in airflow ⇒page 164, fig. 135 is required for more
than three presses.•Either of the temperature settings, HI or LO, is selected.•The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.•The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.•If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfilled.
WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious
injury.•The brake servo does not work when the engine is not running. You
need more force to stop the vehicle.•Power assisted steering does not work when the engine is not running.
That is why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.Note
•For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when the
engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.•When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the dash
panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.•The vehicle can be restarted by rotating the steering wheel three times,
that is, more than 270°.
ACA11
A10
ACA11
A10
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Driving
180
Driving
– Press and hold the foot brake.
– Press the button on the selector lever knob (on the left) ⇒page 179, fig. 148.
– Select a gear for driving ( R, D or S).
– Release the button and wait a few seconds for the gear to engage, a light jerk will be felt.
– Release the brake and accelerate.
Short stop
– Hold the vehicle stationary with the brake pressed down (for example at traffic lights). The selector lever does not need to be
put into the positions P or N for this.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking the vehicle
– Press the foot brake and hold to bring the vehicle to a stop.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press in the button on the selector lever knob, move the lever to the position P and release the button.
Driving slowly
– Move the selector lever to the position D and press to the right to
put the lever into Tiptronic mode.
– Press the gear lever towards (-) to select a lower gear. Hill stop
– Hold the vehicle, in all cases, using the foot brake to prevent
rolling back.
– Do not try to slow the vehicle using another forward gear (engine braking).
Descending gradients
– With the gear engaged, release the brake and accelerate.
The steeper the gradient the lower the gear must be for effective engine
braking. For example, if 3rd gear is used on a very steep gradient, the engine
braking is insufficient and vehicle accelerates. So that the engine speed does
not become excessive, the gearbox changes to the next highest gear. Depress
the brake pedal and move the selector lever to the Tiptronic gate to return to
3rd gear.
WARNING
•The driver should never leave the vehicle while the engine is running or
with any gear selected. If for any reason you must leave the vehicle with the
engine running, apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to posi-
tion P.•When the engine is running and the positions D, S or R are selected, it
is necessary to hold the vehicle with the foot brake because the vehicle will
creep at a low speed.•Never accelerate while changing the position of the selector lever (risk
of an accident).•The selector lever must never be moved into the positions R or P while
moving (risk of an accident).•Before descending a steep gradient, reduce speed and use the Tiptronic
programme to select a lower gear.
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Driving
184Parking
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
engaging gear. This short space of time is enough to start the vehicle with
ease.
This system also works when reversing uphill.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
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.•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.Acoustic parking aid system*General notesVarious systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in
tight spaces, depending on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The SEAT parking system* gives an acoustic warning if there are any obsta-
cles behind your car.
When you are parking, the SEAT Parking System plus* warns you acoustically
and optically
20) about obstacles “in front of” and “behind” the vehicle.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of snow and ice.SEAT Parking System: Description
The parking system is an acoustic parking aid.Sensors are located in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect an obstacle,
you are alerted by acoustic signals (beeps). The measuring range of the
sensors starts at about:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the
obstacle, the warning tone will sound continuously. Do not drive on!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about 4
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected
obstacle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal).
The parking aid is switched on automatically when reverse gear is engaged.
You will hear a brief acknowledgement tone.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver is
personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.•The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered.
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will not
20)Vehicles with a navigation system.
Rear
Side
0,60
Centre
1,60
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Driving
188
NoteIf the fault is not corrected before you switch off the ignition, it will only be
indicated by the flashing LED on the switch
 the next time you switch on
the parking aid.
Cruise control* (GRA)Description
The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed in
the range from approx. 30 km/h to 180 km/h.Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the accel-
erator.
WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible
to drive at constant speed.•For safety reasons the cruise control system should not be used in
dense traffic, in sections with bends or where roads are in bad conditions
(e.g. aquaplaning, loose chippings, slippery surfaces, snow). Risk of acci-
dent.•Always switch the CCS off when finish to use it in order to avoid an
involuntary use.•It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.
Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending down-
hill. The vehicle will accelerate due to its own weight. Use the foot brake to
slow the vehicle.Switching the cruise control system on and offSwitching on the system
–Push the switch ⇒fig. 153 to the left to ON.
Switching off system
– Either push the switch to the right to OFF or turn the ignition
off when the vehicle is stationary.W h en the cr uis e cont rol is o n an d a sp ee d is pr ogra m m e d, the in di cato r  on
the instrument panel is lit.
21)
Fig. 153 Indicator and
main beam headlight
lever: switch and rocker
switch for the cruise
control
AB
AB
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Intelligent technology199
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Caution
•Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when you do
not really intend to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear position
if your car has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine braking
and prolongs the service life of the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes,
it is better to brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.Note
•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.•If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front spoiler or
wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat.Power steering (servotronic*)
The power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel. In cars equipped with servotronic* power steering the degree
of power assistance is regulated electronically according to road speed.
The power steering will keep on working even if the servotronic* device fails.
The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to different
speeds. If the electronic regulating system is not working properly, this is
most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for instance when parking) – more effort will be required than usual. The fault should be
corrected by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
The power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its
turning limit when the car is stationary, this will
place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the steering
wheel to its limit places a load on the system, which causes noise. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
When the engine is running, do not turn the steering wheel to its limit for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering.
Note
•If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off
(for instance when being towed), the car can still be steered. However, more
effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.•If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to a quali-
fied workshop as soon as possible.•The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The container is
located in the engine compartment (front left). The correct fluid level in the
reservoir is important for the power steering to function properly. The
hydraulic fluid level is checked at the Inspection Service.
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