
Contents
4Trailer towing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instructions to follow  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ball coupling of towing bracket*  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving tips  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
 . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle exterior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle interior maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories, parts replacement and 
modifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical modifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Roof aerial*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking and refilling levels
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . 
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels and tyres
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
If and when
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel  . . . . . . . . 
Wheel change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre repair kit* (Tyre Mobility System)  . . . . . . . . 
Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical Specifications
 . . . . . . . . . . 
Description of specifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical Specifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.2 77 kW (105 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.8 118 kW (160 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) 
with/without DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) DPF 
Start&Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) DPF  
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI PD 103 kW (140 PS) without 
DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
211
211
212
212
213
215
215
216
221
224
224
224
225
225
226
226
227
230
231
232
235
239
241
245
246
249
249
257
257
259
265
267
272
281
284 287
287
287
289
289
290
291
291
292
293
294
296
297
298
300
301
302
304
305
Altea_EN.book  Seite 4  Donnersta
g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Driving175
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after 
10 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, 
the fuel pump fuse should be checked 
⇒page 267, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions in  ⇒page 281, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary. 
Start off immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach operating 
temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 173, fig. 136   . The 
indicator lamp 
 D will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp turns off, turn the key to position   to  start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see the  ⇒page 281.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major 
electrical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp  ⇒page 83 goes out.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal 
(up to one minute) to start the engine after refuelling with diesel fuel. This is 
because the system must eliminate air first.
A1A2
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Driving
176
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions in  ⇒page 281, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching off the engine– Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 173, fig. 136   .
After switching the engine off, the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 
m i n u t e s .  I t  is  a l s o  p o ss i b l e  t h a t  t h e  fa n  tu r ns  i t s e l f  o n  o n ce  m o r e  i f  t h e  co o la n t  
temperature increases due to the heat accumulated in the engine compart-
ment or due to its prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
WARNING
•Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is completely stationary.•The brake servo works only when the engine is running. With the 
engine switched off, more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake 
operation cannot be performed, risk  of accidents and serious injury may 
exist.•The steering lock can be immediately blocked once the key is removed 
from the ignition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.Caution
When the engine has been running under  a heavy load for a long period, heat 
can accumulate in the engine compartment and cause engine damage. For 
this reason, you should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you 
switch it off.
A0
Altea_EN.book  Seite 176  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 

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.
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If and when281
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Sun visor light– Carefully remove the lamp, using the flat side of the screwdriver, 
as shown in the figure  ⇒fig. 202 . – Remove the bulb, moving it in the direction of the arrow and 
outwards  ⇒fig. 202 .
Jump-startingJump leads
The jump lead must have a su fficient wire cross section.If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can be 
connected to the battery of another vehicle to start the engine.
Jump leads
Jump leads must comply with standard  DIN 72553 (see manufacturer's docu-
mentation). The wire cross section must be at least 25 mm
2 for petrol engines 
and at least 35 mm
2 for diesel engines.
Note
•The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as 
soon as the positive terminals are connected.•The discharged battery must be properly connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system.
Fig. 201  Removing sun 
visor lightFig. 202  Removing sun 
visor light
Altea_EN.book  Seite 281  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

If and when
282How to jump start: descriptionJump lead terminal connections
1.  Switch off the ignition of both vehicles  ⇒. 2.  Connect one end of the 
red jump lead to the positive terminal 
⇒ fig. 203   or ⇒fig. 204    of the vehicle with the flat 
battery .
3.  Connect the other end of the  red jump lead to the positive 
terminal   in the vehicle providing assistance  .
4. On vehicles  with no Start-Stop system , connect one end of the 
black jump lead to the negative terminal   in the vehicle 
providing assistance    ⇒fig. 203 .
5. On vehicles  with the Start-Stop system , connect one end of the 
black  jump lead   to a suitable ground terminal, to a solid metal 
part bolted to the engine block or to the engine block itself 
⇒ fig. 204 .
6.  Connect the other end of the black  jump lead   to a solid metal 
component bolted to the engine block or to the engine block 
itself of the vehicle with the flat battery. Do not connect it to a 
point near the battery  .
7.  Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into  contact with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
Starting
8.  Start the engine of the vehicle with the boosting battery and let  it run at idling speed.
9.  Start the engine of the vehicle with the flat battery and wait one  or two minutes until the engine is running.
Removing the jump leads
10. Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the headlights (if  they are switched on).
Fig. 203  Diagram for 
connecting jump leads if 
the vehicle providing 
assistance the current is 
not fitted with the Start-
Stop system: flat battery  and battery providing 
current .AA
AB
Fig. 204  Diagram for 
connecting jump leads if 
the vehicle providing 
assistance is fitted with 
the Start-Stop system: 
flat battery   and 
battery providing current  .
AA
AB
A+
A+
AAA+
AB
A-
AB
AX
AX
AA
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If and when283
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
11. Turn on the heater blower and heated rear window in the vehicle 
with the flat battery. This helps minimise voltage peaks which are 
generated when the leads are disconnected.
12. When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse  order to the details given above.Connect the battery clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with 
the battery terminals.
If the engine fails to start, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and 
try again after about half a minute.
WARNING
•Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the engine 
compartment  ⇒page 232, “Working in the engine compartment”.•The battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the flat 
battery (12V) and approximately the same capacity (see imprint on 
battery). Failure to comply could result in an explosion.•Never use jump leads when one of the batteries is frozen. Danger of 
explosion! Even after the battery has thawed, battery acid could leak and 
cause chemical burns. If a battery freezes, it should be replaced.•Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes away from batteries, danger 
of explosion. Failure to comply could result in an explosion.•Observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the jump 
leads.•Do not connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the 
negative terminal of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the battery could 
be ignited by sparks. Danger of explosion.•Do not attach the negative cable from the other vehicle to parts of the 
fuel system or to the brake line.
•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to 
touch. The jump lead attached to the positive battery terminal must not 
touch metal parts of the vehicle, this can cause a short circuit.•Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact 
with any moving parts in the engine compartment.•Do not bend over the batteries. This could result in chemical burns.Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as 
soon as the positive terminals are connected.
WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 283  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14