
Cockpit87
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
This warning lamp can light up together with the ABS system warning lamp.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on 
⇒ page 232.•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when 
driving, the brake fluid level  ⇒page 245, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is 
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.•If the brake warning lamp 
 H lights up together with the ABS warning 
lamp 
 J, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could 
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the 
rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
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 instrument panel displays the following message
17):  LEFT FULL BEAM 
FAULTY .
Engine oil pressure 
 E
If this warning lamp is red it indicates that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three  audible 
warnings , switch off the engine and check the oil level. If necessary, add more 
oil  ⇒page 235.
The instrument panel displays the following message
18):  STOP ENGINE OIL 
PRESSURE INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct,  do not drive on. The 
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Checking the oil level 
 E
If the warning lamp is yellow 
 E the engine oil level should be checked as 
soon as possible. Top up the oil  ⇒page 237 at the next opportunity.
Oil level sensor faulty* 
 E
If the 
 E yellow warning lamp flashes, take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to check 
the oil level every time you refuel.
Cruise control system* 
The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system 
is switched on.The warning lamp 
 lights up when the cruise control system is switched on. 
For further information on the cruise control system, see  ⇒page 192.
17)Depending on the version of the model.
18)Depending on the version of the model.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 87  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Intelligent technology
202•The braking capability of your vehicle is limited by the tyres’ grip. 
Vehicle behaviour is no different from a vehicle without four-wheel drive. 
So do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slippery roads just because 
the vehicle still has good acceleration in these conditions. Failure to do so 
could result in an accident.•On wet roads bear in mind that the front wheels may start to aquaplane 
and lose contact with the road if the vehi cle is driven too fast. If this should 
happen, there will be no sudden increase in engine speed when aqua-
planing begins to warn the driver, as with a front-wheel drive vehicle. For 
this reason and for that mentioned above, always choose a driving speed 
suitable for the road conditions. Failure to do so could result in an 
accident.
Brakes
What factors can have a negative effect on the brakes?New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 400 km; 
first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may be 
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-
loading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
T h e  r a t e  o f  we a r  o n  t h e   brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive and 
the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for 
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts 
and stops. Wet roads or road salt
When the speed is 
over 80 km/h and the windscreen wipers are  on, the brake 
system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds. This 
occurs - without the driver knowing - at regular intervals and allows a faster 
response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or 
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or 
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should 
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehicle 
is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot of salt 
on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs and pads 
has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build 
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are not 
used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is 
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a 
moderately high speed  ⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase  suddenly, this may mean that 
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest 
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and 
remember that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and 
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low. 
The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 202  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Driving and the environment
206change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of trans-
mission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.•Never let the brakes “drag” by applying light pressure. Continuous 
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will 
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.•Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking 
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.•If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use, 
vapour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of 
the brakes.•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the 
brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories please 
observe the relevant instructions  ⇒page 224, “Technical modifications”.•If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary 
journeys.
Exhaust gas purification systemCatalytic converter*To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages  the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. – For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil 
⇒page 237, “Topping up engine oil   E”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary  ⇒page 281.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is 
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the 
nearest specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp will 
light up when any of the described symptoms occur  ⇒page 77. If this 
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the envi-
ronment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! There is a risk of 
fire.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with 
dry grass or flammable materials under the vehicle.•Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the 
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust 
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely dry because the irregularity of the fuel 
supply may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the 
exhaust system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic 
converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a 
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends 
WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 206  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning215
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Vehicle maintenance and cleaningGeneral notesRegular washing and care help maintain the value of your 
vehicle.Vehicle maintenance
Regular care and washing help to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may 
also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in the 
event of bodywork corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect your vehicle against the harmful effects of the envi-
ronment is through correct maintenance and  frequent washing. The longer 
substances such as insect remains, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road 
dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive materials 
remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork. High 
temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight) further intensify the corrosive 
effect.
After winter, a period when salt is put on the roads, it is impor tant to have the 
underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Products for vehicle maintenance
Car care products are available in your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the 
product instructions until you have used them up.
WARNING
•Car care products can be toxic. Because of this, they must always be 
kept closed in their original container. Keep them out of the reach of chil-
dren. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.•Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package 
before using vehicle care products. Im proper use could cause health prob- lems or damage the vehicle. The use of certain products may produce 
noxious vapours; they should be used in well ventilated areas.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other 
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. Risk of fire and explo-
sion.•Before washing your vehicle, or carrying out any maintenance, switch 
the engine off, apply the handbrake firmly and remove the key from the 
ignition.Caution
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is dry. 
Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could damage the 
paintwork or the windows of your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty 
of water.
For the sake of the environment
•When purchasing products for your vehicle maintenance, select the ones 
which are not harmful to the environment.•The waste from car care products should not be disposed of with ordinar y 
household waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 215  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Checking and refilling levels
232Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter glow plug system, making it well 
equipped for operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains 
operational to approx. -24 °C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is 
safe to -15 °C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start 
at temperatures of under -24 °C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for 
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners or similar products) with diesel fuel.Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the 
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1.  Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3.  Move the gear lever to neutral or the selector lever to position P.
4.  Wait for the engine to cool down.
5.  Keep children away from the vehicle. 6. Raise the bonnet 
⇒page 234.
You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know 
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work 
carried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and 
batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of 
information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifications. For 
this reason, we recommend you to have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions  ⇒page 224. The engine compartment of the vehicle is a 
hazardous area. ⇒ .
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and 
refilling fluids, involves a risk of injury and scalding as well as the risk of 
accident or fire.•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining 
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the 
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.•Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.•Apply the handbrake and move the gear lever to neutral or selector 
lever to position P.•Keep children away from the vehicle.•Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.•Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This 
is a fire hazard.•Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the 
points where the jump leads are attached  ⇒page 282. The battery could 
explode.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 232  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Checking and refilling levels233
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the 
key removed from the ignition!•Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. 
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!•Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick 
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.•A l w ays  ma ke  s u re  yo u  ha v e  n o t  l e f t  a n y  obj e c ts ,  s u ch  as  c l ea n in g  cl o t h s  
and tools, in the engine compartment.•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable 
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A 
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of 
injury.•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the 
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the 
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and 
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the 
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery,  loose clothing and long hair do not get 
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any 
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting 
clothes.
− Never accelerate with a gear engaged without taking the necessary 
precautions. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake is applied. 
Danger of death.•If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above 
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when 
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered. −
Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Caution
When topping up service fluids, make sure not to mistake them. Using the 
wrong fluids could cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to th e environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. If you 
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a specialised 
workshop.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 233  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Checking and refilling levels245
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service 
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It 
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment illustration  ⇒page 291. The brake fluid reservoir has a black 
and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the 
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the 
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low 
⇒page 77.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe 
the warnings  ⇒page 232.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates the brake fluid 
change intervals.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 232 in 
section “Safety notes for working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from 
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake 
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the 
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which 
could impair the braking effect.
It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with US standard 
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
Fig. 171  In the engine 
compartment: Brake fluid 
reservoir cover
Altea_EN.book  Seite 245  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Checking and refilling levels
246•Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and 
observe the warnings  ⇒page 232.•Brake fluid should be stored in the  closed original container in a safe 
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.•Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance 
Programme. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake 
fluid is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the effi-
ciency of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an acci-
dent.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the 
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and fluid must be collected and disposed of according the 
applicable regulations. The SEAT service network has the necessary equip-
ment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing of this waste 
material.
Vehicle batteryWarnings on handling the battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as the 
risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical 
system:•Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid and 
particles containing lead.•Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and 
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the 
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with 
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralise any acid 
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with 
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.•Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When handling 
cables and electrical equipment, av oid causing sparks and electrostatic 
WARNING (continued)
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protec-
tive gloves and eye protection!
 Ž
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited!
 Ÿ
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the 
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
Altea_EN.book  Seite 246  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14