2011 Seat Altea engine

Cockpit
84Main beam headlights

This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.The warning lamp
 is switched on once main beams are on or once the
headlight flasher is operating.
For further information see ⇒page 125.
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter

If the warning lamp
 lights up you should help the filter clean itself by
driving in the appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth or fifth gear (automatic gearbox:
S gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h, with the engine running at approxi-
mately 2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is burned. When
cleaning is successful, the indicator turns off.
If the warning lamp  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (partic-
ulate filter
, emission control system fault
 and glow plugs
D), take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to repair the fault.
WARNING
•Always drive according to the road weather conditions, the terrain and
traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal manoeuvres
in surrounding traffic.•The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Otherwise there is a risk of fire.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)*
J
A warning lamp monitors the ABS.
The indicator lamp
J should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•The warning lamp
J does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds•The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way, without the ABS function.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further
information on the ABS go to ⇒page 197.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
J lights up together with the brake warning lamp
H, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system ⇒.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 232, “Working in the engine compartment”.•If the brake warning lamp
H should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
J, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 245, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident.
Obtain technical assistance.
•If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear
Altea_EN.book Seite 84 Donnersta g, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Cockpit85
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
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.
Washer fluid
Y
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 241
The following message is shown on the instrument panel display*
14): REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID .
Alternator
F
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp
F lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go
out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp F lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest specialised
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessary
because this will drain the battery.
Worn brake pads
I
If the
I symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for safety reasons,
the rear pads as well) inspected by a specialised workshop.
Tyre pressure
~
The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.The tyre warning lamp
15) compares wheel revolutions and with this informa-
tion, the diameter of each wheel using the ESP sensors. If the diameter of a
wheel changes, the tyre warning lamp ~ lights up. The wheel diameter
changes when:
•Tyre pressure is insufficient.
14)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
15)Depending on the model version
Fig. 52 Centre console:
tyre monitor system
button
Altea_EN.book Seite 85 Donnersta g, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

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

Cockpit
88Indicator for open doors or tailgate*
o
This warning lamp lights up if one of the doors or the tailgate
is open.The warning light
o should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off
approx. 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
Electromechanical steering*

For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends on
the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out once the engine is started.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the engine
running. The warning light only goes off after a distance of approx. 50 m.
There is a fault in the electromechanical steering system if the lamp does not
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. The warning lamp may
appear in two different colours to indicate faults. If it lights yellow, this indi-
cates a minor fault. If it lights red, seek workshop assistance immediately, as
the steering assistance is not working; in this case you should not keep
driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance. The power steering
does not work if the battery is flat or if the engine is off (for example, for
towing). You should take into account that you will need considerably more
power than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working
correctly or at all.
For those vehicles fitted with ESP* the function “Recommended steering
manoeuvre” is included. See ⇒page 199.
Emission control system*

This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp
 flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce
speed and drive carefully to the nearest specialised workshop to have the
engine checked.
The instrument panel displays the following message
19): EXHAUST GAS SEE
WORKSHOP .
Warning lamp
 is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest specialised workshop to have the engine checked.
The following message is shown in the instrument panel display: EXHAUST
GAS SEE WORKSHOP .
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
/l
There are two warning lamps for the electronic stability
programme. The
 lamp provides information concerning
the function and the l provides information on the discon-
nection status
B ot h lam ps com e on to ge the r whe n th e ig nit io n is s wi tche d o n an d s ho uld go
out after approx. 2 seconds, which is how long the function check lasts.19)Depending on the version of the model.
Altea_EN.book Seite 88 Donnersta g, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Cockpit89
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and TCS. This also includes the brake
assist system (BAS), automatic cleaning of the brake discs and the trailer
stability programme (TSP).
The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•It flashes when the TCS/ESP is activated when driving.•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.•It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully func-
tional.
The
l lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
•It stays lit when the TCS is disconnected after pressing the
l switch.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp
J. Take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further informa-
tion on the EDL see ⇒page 200, “Electronic differential lock (EDL)*”.
Traction control system (TCS)*
/l
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThere are two warning lamps for the traction control system:
 and
l. Both
lamps come on together when the ignition is switched on and should go out
after approx. 2 seconds, which is how long the function check lasts.
The
 lamp has the following function:
•It flashes when the TCS is on, and the vehicle is moving.
If the system is deactivated or if it has any fault, the warning lamp will remain
l it . It will als o co m e on if a fa ult s ho uld o ccur in t he A B S b e caus e the TCS op er -
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information, see ⇒page 197,
“Brakes”
The l lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
•It stays lit when the TCS is disconnected after pressing the TCS OFF switch.
By pressing again, TCS function is reactivated and the warning lamp switched
off.Operating the foot brake
K
The brake pedal must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is
necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the
positions P or N.
Altea_EN.book Seite 89 Donnersta g, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Cockpit
90Electronic immobiliser* “Safe”
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The immobiliser will be
activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the ignition
lock.
The instrument panel displays the following message
20): SAFE . The vehicle
cannot be used in that case ⇒page 174.
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine
key is used.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle can only be ensured if genuine SEAT keys
are used.20)Depending on the version of the model.
Altea_EN.book Seite 90 Donnersta g, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Unlocking and locking99
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Unlocking and lockingCentral locking Basic functions
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock all
doors by just pushing the button.Description
Central locking can be activated by using any of the following options:•the key, by inserting it into the driver door cylinder and rotating it manu-
ally,•the central lock button in the vehicle interior ⇒page 102.•the radio frequency remote control , using the buttons on the key,
⇒ page 107
Various functions are available to improve the vehicle safety:
– Locking system “Safe”
– Selective unlocking system*
– Automatic speed-dependent locking and unlocking system*
– Self-locking system to prevent involuntary unlocking
– Emergency unlocking system
Unlocking the vehicle*
–Press button ⇒page 107, fig. 64 on remote control to unlock all the
doors and tailgate. Locking the vehicle*
– Press button
⇒page 107, fig. 64 on the remote control to lock all
doors and the tailgate or turn the key in the door to lock all doors and the
tailgate.
WARNING
•Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their
own.•Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. A locked vehicle
can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures, depending on
the time of year, thus causing serious injuries/illness. It could even have
fatal consequences. Close and lock both the tailgate and all the other doors
when you are not using the vehicle.•Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle. Misuse
of the keys, for example, by children, may result in serious damage and
accident.
−The engine may accidentally be started and be out of control.
− If the ignition is switched on, the electric equipment could be acti-
vated with risk of injury, for example, in the electric windows.
− The doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could
make the aid difficult in an emergency situation.
− Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.•Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer
the vehicle.


Altea_EN.book Seite 99 Donnersta g, 2. September 2010 2:00 14

Unlocking and locking
106
WARNING
•An incorrect use of the keys can cause serious injuries.•Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their
own.•An uncontrolled use of the key could start the engine or activate any
electric equipment (e.g. electric windows), causing risk of accident. The
doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could make the aid
difficult in an emergency situation.•Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. An unauthorised use of your
vehicle could result in injury, damage or theft. Always take the key with you
when you leave the vehicle.•Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could suddenly block and it would be impossible
to steer the vehicle.Caution
There are electronic components in the remote control key. Avoid wetting and
hitting the keys
Altea_EN.book Seite 106 Donnerstag, 2. September 2010 2:00 14