
Contents3
ContentsManual structure
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety First
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safe driving
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 
Pedal area  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storing objects  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belt tensioners  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Airbag system
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Curtain airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating airbags*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Securing child seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Operating Instructions
 . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Overview  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Digital instrument panel display  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instrument panel menus* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering wheel controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unlocking and locking
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Keys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Sliding/tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights and visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen wipers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seats and storage compartments
. . . . . . . . . . 
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . 
Head restraints  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical 
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher  
Luggage compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air conditioning
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Climatic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2C-Climatronic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Starting and stopping the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Start-Stop function*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic gearbox*/DSG automatic gearbox . . 
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Parking aid acoustic system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cruise control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Practical Tips
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-ABS 
(ABS and TCS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . 
Driving and the environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Economical and environmentally friendly driving
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
5
6
7
7
7
10
16
17
19
19
21
24
28
30
30
34
37
41
44
46
46
48
51 55
55
55
57
60
61
68
77
91
91
92
96
99
99
105
107
109
111
113
115
118
118
126
129
130
134
137
137
138
140
142
144 152
155
156
159
159
161
165
169
171
171
172
173
174
178
181
182
187
189
192
197
197
197
198
199
205
205
206
207
210
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g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Safe driving
8However, these safety systems can only be effective if you and your passen-
gers are sitting in a correct position and use this equipment properly.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important, 
h o w  i t  p r o t e c t s  yo u ,  w h a t  yo u  ha v e  to  co ns i d e r  w h e n  u s i n g  i t  a n d  h o w  yo u  a n d  
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety 
equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you and your 
passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone’s business!Before setting off
The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers and 
the safe operation of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note 
the following points before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle’s lights and turn signals are working 
properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the  surroundings.
– Make sure all luggage is secured  ⇒page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly according  to your size. – Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the 
head restraints in the in-use position  ⇒page 14.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to  their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly  applied seat belts  ⇒page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers  also to assume a proper sitting position  ⇒page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to  fasten their seat belts properly ⇒ page 19.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and 
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers. 
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any circum-
stance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road  ⇒, 
for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not get distracted by  passengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving abil ity is impaired (e.g. by medica-
tion, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 8  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Seat belts
20After the ignition has been switched on, the warning lamp   on the instru-
ment panel lights up
1) if the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt, and an 
acoustic signal is heard if the vehicle is driven at more than 30 km/h.
The warning lamp*  is switched off if the driver seat belt is fastened while 
the ignition is switched on.
1)Depending on the model version
Altea_EN.book  Seite 20  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Airbag system
32Monitoring of airbag and belt tensioner system
Both the airbag and belt tensioner systems operation is constantly monitored 
electronically. Each time the ignition is switched on, the warning lamp 
 T 
lights for several seconds and the display in the instrument panel* shows 
AIRBAG / TENSIONER.
The system must be checked when the warning lamp 
 T :
•does not light up when the ignition is switched on,•after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,•turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,•lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. In 
addition, depending on the malfunction, a fault message appears in the 
display of the instrument panel for approx. 10 seconds and a short acoustic 
signal is given. In this event, you should have a specialised workshop check 
the system immediately.
If any of the airbags are de-activated by the Authorised Service Centre, the 
indicator lights for several seconds more after the verification and will turn off 
if there is no fault.WARNING
•If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tensioner system cannot 
properly perform its protective function.•If a malfunction occurred, have the system checked immediately by a 
specialised workshop. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the airbag 
system and belt tensioners may not be triggered, or may not be triggered 
correctly.
Repairs, maintenance and disposal of airbagsThe parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehicle. 
If work is carried out on the airbag system or parts have to be removed and 
fitted on the system when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag 
system may be damaged. In the event of an accident this could cause the 
airbag to inflate incorrectly or not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or 
components of the airbag are scrapped . Specialised workshops and vehicle 
disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
•If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are used 
incorrectl y, the  ris k of severe or fatal inju ries  is  increase d. T he airbags  may  
fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.•Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the surface 
of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dash panel, and do not 
obstruct or modify them in any way.•It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.•To clean the steering wheel or dash panel, you may use only a dry or a 
water-moistened cloth. Never clean the dash panel and the airbag module 
surface with cleaners containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to 
become porous. If the airbag triggered, plastic parts could become 
detached and cause injuries.•Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag 
system.•Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of the airbag 
components for other repairs (such as repairs to the steering wheel) should 
be performed only by a specialised workshop. Specialised workshops have 
the necessary tools, repair information and qualified personnel.
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Airbag system
34Front airbagsDescription of front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel  ⇒fig. 18  and 
the airbag for the front passenger is located in the dash panel  ⇒fig. 19. 
Airbags are identified by the word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front 
occupants additional protection for the head and chest in the event of a 
severe frontal collision ⇒ page 37, “Safety notes on the front airbag system”.
In addition to their normal function of restraining the occupants, the seat 
belts also hold the driver and front passenger in a position where the airbags 
can provide maximum protection in a frontal collision.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part 
of the vehicle’s overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the 
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their 
seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly. Therefore, 
it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times, not only because this 
is required by law in most countries, but also for your safety ⇒ page 19, 
“Brief introduction”.
The main parts of the front airbag system are:•an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)•the two front airbags (airbag with gas generator) for the driver and front 
passenger,•a warning lamp 
 T on the instrument panel  ⇒page 31
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning 
lamp will light up for a few seconds every time the ignition is switched on 
(self-diagnosis).
There is a fault in the system if the warning lamp 
 T:
•does not light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ page 31•after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,•turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,•lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving.
Fig. 18  Driver airbag 
located in steering wheelFig. 19  Front passenger 
airbag located in dash 
panel
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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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Cockpit
74
– Press button   or   on the multifunction steering wheel* ⇒page 68, fig. 46  until the Vehicle Status  menu is displayed.Priority 2 warning messages and information texts: “Information and warning 
messages on the screen” will automatically disappear from the screen after a 
time and will be stored in the  Vehicle status menu.
The warning and information texts may be viewed in this menu. If there is no 
warning or information message, the option  Vehicle status is not displayed. 
If there are several messages, each one is shown for a few seconds.
Example of menu use  ⇒page 68
Note
If there are no warning messages, this menu is not available.Configuration menu
This menu is used to make th e settings for the vehicle func-
tions.Open Configuration menu
– Select the option  Configuration from the main menu: “Main 
menu” and press button      ⇒page 68, fig. 45  on the wind-
screen wiper lever.  or
– Press button   or   on the multifunction steering wheel*  ⇒page 68, fig. 46  until the Configuration  menu is displayed.Example of menu use ⇒page 68.
 „
 ƒ
OK
AA
 „
 ƒ
Displayed on the 
screen
Function
Multifunction 
display data.
This menu is used to establish the data in the multi-
function display menu to be displayed on the instru-
ment panel  ⇒page 71
Convenience
This menu allows you to make the settings for the 
convenience functions in the vehicle.
Lights and visibility
From this menu it is it possible to alter the vehicle 
lighting settings.
Time
The hours and minutes of the clock and the naviga-
tion system can be changed. Choose between 12 
and 24-hour format and change to summer time.
Winter tyres
The menu allows the setting of a speed at which an 
optical and acoustic warning will be given by the 
system. You can use this function, for example, if 
you have fitted winter tyres which are not suited for 
the top speed of your vehicle. Please see the sec-
tion “Wheels and tyres”.
Settings: Language
The display texts and the navigation system texts 
can be seen in different languages.
Units
This option allows you to select the units for dis-
playing temperature, fuel consumption values and 
distances.
Aux. Speed
The instrument panel also displays the speed in 
another different unit of measurement (mph or 
km/h) to that given on the speedometer.
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Cockpit81
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
Altea_EN.book  Seite 81  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14