
If and when
270Fuses on left side of dash panelFusesNumber
Consumer
Amps
1
Va ca n t
2
Va ca n t
3
Va ca n t
4
Va ca n t
5
Va ca n t
6
Va ca n t
7
Va ca n t
8
Va ca n t
9
Airbag
5
10
RSE input (roof screen)
10
11
Va ca n t  
12
Left xenon headlight
10
13
Instrument panel (oil level)/Switchboard wiring 
(BCM)/Heater / ABS, ESP/ Park Pilot/ Gate-
way/Flow meter
5
14
Gearbox/Power steering/Brake light sensor/ 
Trailer/ ABS, ESP/ Haldex/ Light switch
10
15
Heated windscreen / Instrument lighting / Diag-
nosis switchboard/Engine management/Addi-
tional heating/AFS headlamps/Park Pilot
10
16
Right xenon headlight
10
17
Engine management / RSE system with START 
STOP
10
18
Kombi / levers with START STOP
5
19
Navigation/ radio with START STOP
15
20
Park Pilot (parking aid) / Gear lever/ ESP switch-
board
10
21
Va ca n t
22
Volumetric alarm sensor/ Alarm horn
5
23
Diagnosis / Rain sensor / Light switch
10
24
Trailer hook pre-installation assistant
15
25
Va ca n t
26
Va cu um  pum p
20
27
RSE supply (Ceiling display) without START STOP
10
28
Rear window wiper motor
20
29
Va ca n t
30
Cigarette lighter / socket
20
31
Va ca n t
32
Va ca n t
33
Heater
40
34
Va ca n t
35
Va ca n t
36
Va ca n t
37
Va ca n t
38
Va ca n t
39
Trailer control unit (coupling)
15
Number
Consumer
Amps
Altea_EN.book  Seite 270  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

If and when
272
Bulb changeGeneral notesBefore changing any bulb, first turn off the failed component.
Do not touch the bulb glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a 
reduction in the bulb life and condensation on the mirror surface, thus 
reducing efficiency.
A bulb should only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is inscribed 
on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
It is highly recommended to keep a box of spare bulbs in the vehicle. At the 
very least, the following spare bulbs, which are essential for road safety, 
should be kept in the vehicle.
Main headlights
Dipped beam - H7
Main beam - H1
Position - W5W
Turn signal - PY21W
Xenon headlights
26)/adaptive*
Dipped and full beam - D1S
27)
Daylight - P21W SLL
Position W5W
Turn signals PY21W
15
Engine management
5
Pump relay
10
16
Right lighting
30
17
Horn
15
18
Vacan t
19
Clean
30
20
Water pump
10
Pressure sensor pump for 1.8 engine
20
21a)
Lambda probe
15
22
Brake pedal, speed sensor
5
23a)
Engine management
5
Engine management
10
Engine management
15
24
AKF, gearbox valve
10
25a)
ABS pump
40
26
Left lighting
30
27a)
Engine management
40
Engine management
50
28
Vacan t
29a)
Electric windows (front and back)
50
Electric windows (front)
30
30
Ignition key
50
a)Ampere rating according to motorisationNumber
Consumer
Amps
26)On this type of headlight, the bulb changes must be made by the SEAT dealer, given
that complex elements must be removed from the vehicle and a reset must be made
on the automatic control system incorporated.27)The Xenon bulbs discharge 2.5 times the light flux and have an average lifespan of 5
times more than that of halogen bulbs, this means that, except due to unusual circum-
stances, there is no need to change the bulbs for the whole life of the vehicle.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 272  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

If and when273
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Fog lights
Fog lights - H3
Upper tail light
Stop/Position - P21W
28)
Turn signal - R10W
Lower tail light
Fog light - P21W
Reverse light - P21W
Side turn signal
Side turn signal - W5W
Number plate light
Number plate light - C5W
Note
•Depending on weather conditions (cold or wet), the front lights, the fog 
lights, the tail lights and the turn signals may be temporarily misted. This has 
no influence on the useful life of the lighting system. By switching on the 
lights, the area through which the beam of light is projected will quickly be 
demisted. However, the edges may continue to be misted.•Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the exterior 
lighting) on your vehicle is functioning pr operly. This is not only in the interest 
of your own safety, but also that of all other road users.•Due to the difficulty in accessing some of the bulbs, any replacement work 
should be done by a SEAT dealer. However, the following is a description of 
how to change the lamps except for the fog lights* and interior lamps.
Main headlight bulbs
Turn signal
Dipped beam headlights
Main beam headlights
Side lights
28)Electronically controlled single filament bulb for Stop/side bulbs. If the bulb blows it
will not work in either position or Stop.
Fig. 183  Main headlight 
bulbs
AAABACAD
Altea_EN.book  Seite 273  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

If and when277
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Side lights and brake lights–Open the tailgate.
– Remove the bolts  ⇒fig. 191  . – Remove the cover of the luggage compartment lateral panel.
– Unscrew the plastic fitting 
⇒fig. 192    securing the tail light. 
Inserting a screwdriver under th e plastic fitting may help to 
loosen it.
– Partially remove the tail light from its casing taking care not to  pull on the cable.
– Remove the bulb holder connector.
–Unscrew the bolts ⇒ page 278, fig. 193   from the bulb holder 
and pull on this.
– Press on the bulb and rotate to the left then fit the replacement.
– To refit follow the steps in reverse order, taking special care when  fitting the bulb holder. The metal contacts of the bulb holder 
ends should be correctly fitted with respect to the tail light 
contacts.
Fig. 191  Side lights and 
brake lightsFig. 192  Side lights and 
brake lights
AA
ABAC
Altea_EN.book  Seite 277  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

If and when
284Towing and tow-startingTo w - s t a r t i n g
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do  not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting 
is preferable ⇒ page 281.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2nd or the 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear  lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing 
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed 
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
General notesPlease observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not  working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake sooner than normal 
and pressing the pedal gently.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a 
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles. 
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic 
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a 
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both 
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 284  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Description of specifications289
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Information on fuel consumptionFuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehicle 
data sticker differ from one vehicle to another.The fuel consumption and CO
2 emissions of the vehicle can be found on the 
vehicle data sticker.
The fuel consumption and emissions figures given are based on the vehicle 
weight category, which is determined according to the engine/gearbox 
combination and the equipment fitted.
The consumption and emission figures are calculated in accordance with the 
tests indicated in regulations 715/2007/EC and 692/2008/EC.
Note
•Actual consumption may vary from quoted test values, depending on 
personal driving style, road and traffic conditions, the weather and the 
vehicle condition.WeightsKerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity 
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for the 
weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of 
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase  ⇒.
WARNING
•Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting 
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle’s handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions 
and requirements.•Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight 
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the 
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, 
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
To w i n g  a  t r a i l e rTrailer weightsTrailer weight
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive 
trials according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are 
valid for vehicles in the  EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain 
circumstances up to 100 km/h). The figures may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these 
data  ⇒ .
Drawbar load
The  maximum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint of the towing bracket 
must not exceed  75 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow 
approaching the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the 
road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 289  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Index
308Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  235
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  237
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  236
Engine oil pressure Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66, 87
Environment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  207 Environmental friendliness  . . . . . . . . . . . .  209
Environmental tip Avoiding pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  227
Environmentally friendly driving  . . . . . . . . . . .  207
ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88, 199 See also Electronic Stability Programme . .  172
Example of menu use Program a speed limit warning  . . . . . . . . . .  69
To activate and deactivate the speed limit warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69
Example of the use of the menus Open the Configuration menu with the MFI lever68
Open the Configuration menu with the steering  wheel controls  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69
Examples of menu use Open the main menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68
Open the winter tyres menu . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69
To close the winter tyres menu . . . . . . . . . . .  69
Exhaust gas purification system  . . . . . . . . . . .  206
Exterior mirrors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  218FFabric trim cleaning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  222 Fastening rings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
Fire extinguisher  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  155
First-aid kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  155
Flexible service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . .  62
Floor mats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  118
Fog lights with cornering function . . . . . . . . . .  123
Folding the seat backrests down . . . . . . . . . . .  143
Folding tray*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  145
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
Description  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
Front drinks holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  148
Front passenger airbag deactivation . . . . . . . . .  44
Front reading lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  128
Front seat adjustment Lumbar support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  140
Fuel Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  231
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  230
Fuel level Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58
Fuel reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82 Warning message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67
Fuel Tank Opening the fuel tank flap  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  226
Fuel tank See Fuel reserve  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82
Fuel: save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  207 Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  267
GG 12  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  239
Gear shift pattern  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  181
General overview of the engine compartment   291
Glove compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  144
Glow plug system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  175
Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  83
GRA  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  192HHandbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  187 Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86, 187
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  123
HBA  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  197
Head restraints Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138, 139
Adjustment of the head restraint angle . . .  139
Removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  139
Headlight flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  125
Headlight range control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  122
Headlights Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  210
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  118
Headlight washer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  134
Heated front seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  141
Altea_EN.book  Seite 308  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14