2011 Seat Altea check engine light

Cockpit
66The speed may be altered using the rocker switch in steps of 5 km/h
within 5 seconds of the initial memory value.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake symbol”
is not shown. For this reason you should not rely exclusively on this display
- Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature as
a result of the heat radiated from the engine.Warning or information message in the display
Faults are shown in the display with warning lamps and
warning/information reports.The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the igni-
tion is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Functional faults are indi-
cated by symbols with warning or information messages in the display. An
acoustic warning is given in certain cases.
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning symbols
(priority 2).
Information text
In addition to warning messages given on a fault, you will receive information
in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
Note
In the case of screens without warning or information texts, faults are indi-
cated exclusively by the warning lamps.Warning reports, Priority 1 (red)If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings . This is a danger warning. Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will continue
until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warning
message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)•Brake system symbol
H with the warning message STOP BRAKE FLUID
SERVICE MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL .
•Coolant symbol
v with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•Engine oil pressure symbol
E with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow) If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied
by one audible warning . The function should be checked as soon as possible.
AB
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80Overview of indicator and warning lamps (vehicles with LPG)
The warning lamps indicate a number of different functions
and possible faults.Fig. 51 Instrument panel indicator and warning lamps in vehicles with LPG.
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to
prevent danger to third parties.•The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before you open the
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or
other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings ⇒page 232.Note
•The appropriate warning lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information messages in the display.•In vehicles with warning or information texts on the screen, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information
message will also appear on the screen.Warning symbolsThere are red warning symbols (p riority 1) and yellow warning
symbols (priority 2)Warning reports, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings . This is a danger warning. Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary.
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and indicator lamps
Further
information

Red: Coolant level / coolant temperature
⇒page 82

Blue: Cold engine warning
⇒page 177
h
LPG system connected
⇒page 177
A1A2A3
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Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will continue
until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warning
message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
•Brake system symbol
H with the warning message
STOP BRAKE FLUID
SERVICE MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL .
•Coolant symbol
v with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•Engine oil pressure symbol
E with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied
by one audible warning . Check the corresponding function as soon as
possible although the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. After
a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be shown
as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2 warning messages will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
messages have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages (yellow):
10)
•Fuel warning light with the information text PLEASE REFUEL .•Windscreen washer fluid symbol
 with the information text REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Top up the washer fluid level.
Information messages displayed on the screen*
10)Depending on the version of the model.
Message
a)
Description
SERVICE
The service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to an
authorised service.
IMMOBILISER
Immobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take
the vehicle to an authorised service.
ERROR
Instrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to an authorised
service.
CLEAN AIR
FILTER
Warning: The air filter must be cleaned
NO KEY
Warning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.
KEY BATTERY
Warning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCH
Warning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual
gearbox and Start/Stop system.
--> P/N
Warning: Place the selector level in P/N to start. Only in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
--> P
Warning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the
engine.
STARTING
Warning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop sys-
tem activated.
START
MANUALLY
Warning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop
system activated.
ERROR START
STOP
Warning: Start-Stop system error.
START STOP
IMPOSSIBLE
Warning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on,
the engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the
necessary conditions are met
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82Fuel level / reserve
z
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is under
the reserve level.It lights up when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. You will also hear a
warning signal. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel tank as soon as possible
⇒ page 226.
The instrument panel displays the following message
11): PLEASE REFUEL! .
Coolant level* / temperature
v
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too
high or if the coolant level is too low.There is a fault if:•The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.•The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, and
three acoustic warning signals ⇒ are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature
is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
The instrument panel displays the following message
12): CHECK COOLANT
INSTRUCTION MANUAL ⇒ page 239.
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial. Stop the vehicle,
switch the engine off and wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary ⇒page 267.
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance, stop
the vehicle and switch the engine off . Contact an Authorised Ser vice Centre
or a specialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
The instrument panel displays the following message13): STOP CHECK
COOLANT INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
START STOP
ACTIVE
Warning: Start-Stop system activated. Vehicle in Stop
mode.
SWITCH OFF
Warning: Start-Stop system activated. Switch off the igni-
tion when you leave the vehicle.
STOP
TRANSMISSION TOO HOT
Warning: Stop the engine. Gearbox overheated.
BRAKE
Warning: To start the engine, press the brake pedal. Only
in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
COASTING FUNCTION
Warning: Coasting mode active. Transmission engaged.
Only in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
CHECK
SAFELOCK
Notification of central locking function activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehicle model.11)Depending on the version of the model.
12)Depending on the version of the model.13)Depending on the version of the model.
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Cockpit83
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity
⇒.
WARNING
•If your vehicle is immobilised for technical reasons, move it to a safe
distance from traffic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights on and
place the warning triangle.•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.•The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before carrying out any
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to cool
down. Always note the corresponding warnings ⇒page 232.
Rear fog light


This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on

. For
further information see ⇒page 118.
Turn signals

The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are in oper-
ation.Depending on which turn signal is operating, either the left
 or right

turn
signal lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash at the same time when
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both turn signals fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice
faster than normal. For further information on the turn signals, please see
⇒page 125.
Engine management*
%0#

This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp
%0# (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
Glow plug system / Engine fault
D
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp
D is lit
The warning lamp D lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp
D flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug lamp will flash
D. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
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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
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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.
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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.
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