Safe driving
8or they are sitting in an incorrect position or do not properly adjust or use this
equipment.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important,
h o w i t p r o t e c t s yo u , w h a t yo u ha v e to co ns i d e r w h e n u s i n g i t a n d h o w yo u a n d
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety
equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you and your
passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!Before every trip
The driver bears the responsibility for his passengers and the
operational worthiness of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Ensure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals operate flaw-
lessly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the surroundings.
– Securely restrain all parcels ⇒page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly according to your size. – Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the
head restraints in the in-use position ⇒page 14.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly applied seat belts ⇒page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers also to assume a proper sitting position ⇒page 10.
– Fasten your safety belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to fasten their seat belts properly ⇒ page 19.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any circum-
stance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road ⇒,
for this reason:
– Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic around you, e.g. by passengers or telephone conversations.
– Never drive when your driving abil ity is impaired (e.g. by medica-
tion, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 8 Dienstag, 1. September 2009 10:37 10
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
185
148
130
174
A21
183
A22
118
A23A24
169
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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
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 78 Dienstag, 1. September 2009 10:37 10
Cockpit
82wheels 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 236.
The following message is shown on the dash panel display*
12): 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 equipment 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
13) 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 unbalanced 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.
12)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
13)Depending on the model version
Fig. 50 Centre console:
tyre monitor system
button
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Cockpit83
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
•The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or after changing one or more
wheels, the button ⇒page 82, fig. 50 must be kept pressed while the igni-
tion is on until an acoustic signal is heard and the warning lamp goes out.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor
system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator
lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is much lower than the value set by
the driver, then the tyre control warning lamp lights up ⇒.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator flashes
If the tyre pressure indicator flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the nearest
specialist workshop.
WARNING
•When the tyre pressure indicator lights, reduce speed immediately and
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible, and check
the tyre pressure and status.•The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre
pressure must be regularly checked.•Under certain circumstances (for example, in a sports situation, in
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or
function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow indicator
lights up after turning
the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey.
Bulb defect
The warning lamp lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exte-
rior lighting is defective.The warning lamp
lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exterior lighting
(e.g. left-hand main beam) is defective.
The dash panel displays the following message
14): LEFT FULL BEAM
FAULTY .
Brake system* / handbrake
The warning lamp lights up if the handbrake is applied, if the
brake fluid level falls too low or if there is a fault in the brake
system.
This warning lamp
lights up if
•If the handbrake is on.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following message
will appear on the dash panel display
15): HANDBRAKE ON. Also, an audible
warning is given.
•If the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 240.
The dash panel displays the following message
15): STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•If there is a fault in the brake system.
The dash panel displays the following message
15): BRAKE SYSTEM FAULT
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
14)Depending on the version of the model.15)Depending on the version of the model.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 83 Dienstag, 1. September 2009 10:37 10
Intelligent technology
194essential 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.Anti-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 244.•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
WARNING (continued)
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 194 Dienstag, 1. September 2009 10:37 10
Driving and the environment203
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately
after starting the engine. Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey, you
will not waste fuel. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of
improved
fuel efficiency as well as maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture .
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until having
driven some four kilometres. This is the reason why we recommend avoiding
short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all through the year: they will increase fuel consump-
tion by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being transported.
A roof carrier is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your car will use about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof carrier
even when it is empty.
Save electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical equipment when you do not need them. Examples of equip-
ment that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window
heating or the seat heaters*.
Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•Joints and connections designed for ease of dismantling•Modular construction to facilitate dismantling•Increased use of single-grade materials•Plastic parts and elastomers are labelled in accordance with ISO 1043,
ISO 11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials•Nearly all materials used can be recycled•Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling•Recycled materials used in manufacture•Reduction of the plastic volatile components•CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioning
Compliance with prohibited materials laws : cadmium, asbestos, lead,
mercury, chrome VI.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 203 Dienstag, 1. September 2009 10:37 10
Trailer towing205
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Trailer towingInstructions to followYour vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing bracket see
⇒ page 207.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to
the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly
steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The
correct figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures
for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents ⇒Section
“Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
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