2011 Seat Altea warning

Lights and visibility123
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Dynamic cornering lights* (AFS)
The
dynamic cornering lights only operate if the vehicle is travelling at more
than 10 km/h and the dipped headlights are on. When taking a bend, the
road is illuminated better with directional gas discharge bulbs than with
conventional fixed headlights.
A fault in the system is indicated via the flashing of the control lamp
 on the
instrument panel. At the same time, a text message with information or
instructions to perform necessary operations may appear on the instrument
panel display. Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and have the fault
repaired.
If the control bulb
 lights up on the instrument panel but all the bulbs are
operating correctly ⇒ page 272, there may still be a fault in the dynamic
curve lighting system (AFS). Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired.
WARNING
If the “automatic dipped beam control” is switched on, the dipped beam
headlights will not be switched on in fog. They should be switched on
manually using the light switch. The driver is personally responsible for the
correct use of lights in all situations. “Automatic headlight control” is
merely a system to support the driver. Where necessary, switch on the
lights manually using the light switch.Fog lights with cornering function*When the turn signal is switched on to turn or on very tight bends, the right
or left fog lamp automatically comes on to function as a cornering light. The
cornering light only operates if the dipped lights are on.
WARNING
If the “automatic dipped beam control” is switched on, the dipped beam
headlights will not be switched on in fog. They should be switched on
manually using the light switch. The driver is personally responsible for the
correct use of lights in all situations. “Automatic headlight control” is
merely a system to support the driver. Where necessary, switch on the
lights manually using the light switch.Hazard warning lights

The hazard warning lights are used to draw the attention of
other road users to your vehicle in emergencies.
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
Fig. 77 Dash panel:
switch for hazard warning
lights
Altea_EN.book Seite 123 Donnerstag, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Lights and visibility
124
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒.
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear, and for an automatic move the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for example
when:•reaching the tail end of a traffic jam,•there is an emergency•your vehicle breaks down due to a technical fault,•you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. That is that the two turn signal turn signal lamps

and the
turn signal lamp in the switch
 will flash at the same time. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
Emergency braking warning
If the vehicle is braked suddenly and continuously at a speed of more than 80
km/h, the brake light flashes several times per second to warn vehicles
driving behind. If you continue braking, the hazard warning lights will come
on automatically when the vehicle comes to a standstill. They switch off auto-
matically when the vehicle starts to move again.
WARNING
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!Note
•The batter y will run down if the hazard warn ing lights are left on for a long
time, even if the ignition is switched off.•The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
Altea_EN.book Seite 124 Donnerstag, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Lights and visibility125
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒fig. 78 to indicate right, and
all the way down to indicate left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash. Switching main beam on and off
– If the dipped lights are on, push the lever forward
⇒fig. 78
to switch on the main beam.
– Push the lever towards the steering wheel ⇒ fig. 78 to switch
off the main beam.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn the right or left-hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headligh t flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
• The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp
 or
flashes in the instrument panel. The warning
lamp
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is
correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is defec-
tive, the warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal bulbs
are damaged, warning lamp
 does not light up. Change the bulb.
Fig. 78 Turn signal and
main beam headlight
lever
A1
A2A1
A2
A3
A4
A4
Altea_EN.book Seite 125 Donnerstag, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Lights and visibility
126•The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The warning lamp
 then comes on in the instru-
ment panel.
•The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever – even if
no other lights are switched on. The warning lamp
 then comes on in the
instrument panel.
•When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the tail light
on the corresponding side of the vehicle light up. The parking lights will only
work if the key is removed from the ignition. If the lights are switched on, an
acoustic signal will be emitted while the driver door is open.•If the turn signal lever is left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, an acoustic signal sounds when the driver door is opened. This
is a reminder to switch off the turn signal, unless of course you wish to leave
the parking light on.
Interior lightsInterior front light, type 1 The switch ⇒fig. 79 is used to select the following positions:
Courtesy light position
o
Rocker switch in flat position (not activated). The interior lights are automat-
ically switched on when the vehicle is unlocked or the key removed from the
ignition. And turn off approx. 20 seconds after closing the doors. The interior
lights are switched off when the vehicle is locked or when the ignition is
switched on.
Interior light switched on

Push the switch to the position
.
Interior light switched off O
Push the switch to position O ⇒fig. 79 .
Fig. 79 Interior roof trim:
front interior lights
AA
Altea_EN.book Seite 126 Donnerstag, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Lights and visibility131
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
WARNING
•Worn and dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and safety levels while
driving.•In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the heating and ventilation system.
The washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and obscure
your view of the road.•Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒page 242.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. If you switch on the wipers
when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you could damage both
the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
•The windscreen wipers will only work when the ignition is switched on.•In certain versions of vehicles with alarms, the windscreen wiper will only
work when the ignition is on and the bonnet closed.•When in use, the wipers do not go as far as the rest position. When the
lever is moved to position 0, they are totally hidden.•The next speed down will automatically be selected if wiper speed
⇒ page 130, fig. 85 or is selected when the vehicle stops. The set speed
will be resumed when the vehicle starts again•The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds once
the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated, provided the vehicle
is in transit (drip function). If you activate the wipers less than three seconds
after the drip function, a new wash sequence will begin without the last wipe.
For the “drip” function to work again, you have to turn the ignition off and
then on again.
•When the “intermittent wipe function” is on, the intervals are directly
proportional to the speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed the shorter
the intervals.•The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the
obstacle and switch the wiper back on again.•Before removing any objects that may be trapped in the side areas of the
windscreen, always move the wiper arms to the service position (horizontal).•The heat output of the heated jets is controlled automatically when the
ignition is switched on, depending upon the outside temperature.
A2
A3
Altea_EN.book Seite 131 Donnerstag, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Lights and visibility133
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Rear window wiper
]
The windscreen wiper lever operates the windscreen wiper
and the wash and wipe system for the rear window.
Switching on the interval wipe
– Press the lever forwards to position ⇒fig. 88 . The wiper will
wipe the window approximately every 6 seconds.
Switching off the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever back from position towards the steering wheel. The wiper will continue to function for a short period if you switch
off whilst the wipers are in motion. Switching on the windscreen wiper and washer system
– Press the lever fully forwards to position
⇒fig. 88 . The wash
function will start immediately and the wiper will start with a
slight delay. The windscreen wash system will function as long as
you hold the lever in this position.
– Release the lever. The wiper then wipes for approximately 4 seconds, and then in intervals again.
– Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wipers func- tion.
WARNING
•A worn or dirty wiper blade will obstruct visibility and reduce safety.•Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒page 242.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blade is not frozen to the glass
before using the wiper for the first time. If you switch on the wiper when the
wiper blade is frozen to the glass, this could damage both the wiper blade
and the wiper motor.
Note
•The windscreen wiper will only function when the ignition is switched on
and the tailgate is closed.•In reverse gear, with the windscreen wipers switched on, the rear wind-
screen wiper will make one wipe.
Fig. 88 Windscreen wiper
and windscreen wash
lever: rear window wiper
A6
A6
A7
Altea_EN.book Seite 133 Donnerstag, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Lights and visibility
134Headlight washer*
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses.The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen
washer is used and the windscreen wiper lever is pulled towards the steering
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped beam headlights or
main beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the
headlights at regular intervals, for instance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
•To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer
spray.•To remove water, the windscreen wipers will be activated from time to
time, the headlight wipers will be activated every three cycles.Rear-view mirrorsInterior mirror
It is dangerous to drive if yo u cannot see clearly through the
rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at the bottom edge of the mirror should
be at the front. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function.
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on and off
as desired.Switching off the anti-dazzle function
–Press button ⇒ fig. 89. Indicator lamp goes off.
Switching on the anti-dazzle function
–Press button ⇒ fig. 89. Warning lamp is lit.Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on.
The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the interior mirror will darken auto-
matically according to the amount of light it receives. The anti-dazzle func-
tion is cancelled if reverse gear is engaged.
Fig. 89 Automatic anti-
dazzle interior mirror.
AA
AB
AA
Altea_EN.book Seite 134 Donnerstag, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Lights and visibility
136
Synchronised mirror adjustment
1. Turn the control to the position L ( left exterior mirror ).
2. Turn the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle. The right exterior mirror will
be adjusted at the same time (synchronised).
WARNING
•Convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision however the
objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors. If you use these
mirrors to estimate the distance to vehicles behind you when changing
lane, you could make a mistake. Risk of accident.•If possible, use the rear view mirror to estimate distances to vehicles
behind you.•Make sure that you do not get your finger trapped between the mirror
and the mirror base when folding back the mirrors. Risk of injury!For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer
needed. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
•If the electrical adjustment ever fails to operate, the mirrors can be
adjusted by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.•In vehicles with electric exterior mirrors, the following points should be
observed: if, due to an external force (e.g. a knock while manoeuvring), the
adjustment of the mirror housing is altered, the mirror will have to be
completely folded electrically . Do not readjust the mirror housing by hand, as
this will interfere with the mirror adjuster function.
•The rear view mirrors can be adjusted separately or simultaneously, as
described before.•The fold-in function on the exterior mirrors is not activated at speeds of
above 40 km/h.
Altea_EN.book Seite 136 Donnerstag, 2. September 2010 2:00 14