2011 Seat Altea XL airbag

Contents3
ContentsManual structure
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Content
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Safety First
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Safe driving
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Instructions
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Cockpit
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Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital instrument panel display . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel menus* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel controls
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General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking
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Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding/tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and visibility
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Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and storage compartments
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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
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Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
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Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . .
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox*
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Practical Tips
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Intelligent technology
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Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-ABS
(ABS and TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . .
Driving and the environment
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Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical and environmentally friendly driving
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Content
6ContentThis manual is structured to provide the information you need in an organised
way. The content of this Manual is divided into sections which belong to
chapters (e.g. “Air conditioning”). The entire manual is divided into five large
parts which are:1. Safety FirstInformation on the vehicle equipment relating to passive safety such as seat
belts, airbags, seats, etc.2. Operating instructionsInformation about the distribution of controls in the driver position of your
vehicle, about the seat adjustment possibilities, about how to create a suit-
able climate in the passenger compartment, etc.3. Practical TipsAdvice relating to the driving, caring and maintenance of your vehicle and
certain problems you can solve yourself.4. Technical SpecificationsFigures, values and the dimensions of your vehicle.5. Alphabetic indexAt the end of this manual there is a detailed alphabetical index, this will help
you to rapidly find the information you require.
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Safe driving7
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Safety FirstSafe drivingBrief introductionDear SEAT Driver
Safety first!This chapter contains important in formation, tips, suggestions and
warnings that you should read and consider for both your own safety
and for your passengers’ safety.
WARNING
•This manual contains important information about the operation of the
vehicle, both for the driver and the passengers. The other sections of the
owner’s manual also contain further information that you should be aware
of for your own safety and for the safety of your passengers.•Ensure that the on-board documentation is kept in the vehicle at all
times. This is especially important when lending or selling the vehicle to
another person.
Safety equipment
The safety equipment is a part of the occupant protection
system and can reduce the risk of injury in the event of acci-
dent.Never put your safety or the safety of your passengers in danger. In the event
of an accident, the safety equipment may reduce the risk of injury. The
following list includes most of the safety equipment in your SEAT:•three-point seat belts,•belt tension limiters for the front and rear side seats,•belt tensioners for the front seats,•belt height adjustment for the front seats,•front airbags,•side airbags in the front seat backrests,•curtain airbags,•active front head restraints*,•“ISOFIX” anchorage points for child seats in the rear side seats with the
“ISOFIX” system,•height-adjustable head restraints,•head restraints with in-use position and non-use position,•adjustable steering column.
The safety equipment mentioned above works together to provide you and
your passengers with the best possible protection in the event of an accident.
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Safe driving11
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– Fasten your seat belt securely ⇒page 19.
– Keep both feet in the footwell so that you have the vehicle under control at all times.Adjustment of the driver seat ⇒page 137.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the driver can lead to severe injuries.•Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm distance between
the centre of the chest and the centre of the steering wheel ⇒page 10,
fig. 1 . If you are sitting closer than 25 cm, the airbag system cannot protect
you properly.•If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a specialised workshop. The work-
shop will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions. This reduces the
risk of injury when the driver airbag is triggered.•Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o’clock position, or in any other
manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the
airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands and head.•To reduce the risk of injury to the driver during sudden braking manoeu-
vres or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted far back! The airbag
system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection when the back-
rest is in an upright position and the driver is wearing his or her seat belt
properly. The further the backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk
of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web or to the incorrect
sitting position!•Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve optimal protection.
Proper sitting position for front passenger
The front passenger must sit at least 25 cm away from the
dash panel so that the airbag can provide the greatest
possible protection in the event that it is triggered.For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an
accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the front
passenger:
– Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible ⇒.
– Move the backrest to an upright position so that your backrests completely against it.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same
level as the top of your head ⇒ page 13.
– Keep both feet in the footwell in front of the front passenger seat.
– Fasten your seat belt securely ⇒page 19.It is possible to deactivate the passenger airbag in exceptional circum-
stances ⇒ page 25.
Adjusting the front passenger seat ⇒page 140.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the front passenger can lead to severe
injuries.•Adjust the front passenger seat so that there is at least 25 cm between
your chest and the dash panel. If you are sitting closer than 25 cm, the
airbag system cannot protect you properly.
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Safe driving
12•If your physical constitution pr events you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a specialised workshop. The work-
shop will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.•Al ways kee p you r feet in t he footw ell w hen t he vehicle is moving; never
rest them on the dash panel, out the window or on the seat. An incorrect
sitting position exposes you to an increased risk of injury in case of a
sudden braking or an accident. If the airbag is triggered, you could sustain
severe injuries due to an incorrect sitting position.•To reduce the risk of injury to the front passenger in events such sudden
braking manoeuvres or an accident, never travel with the backrest tilted far
back! The airbag system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection
when the backrest is in an upright position and the front passenger is
wearing his or her seat belt properly. The further the backrests are tilted to
the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect positioning of the
belt web or to the incorrect sitting position!•Adjust the head restraint properly in order to achieve maximum
protection.
Correct sitting position for passengers in the rear seats
Passengers in the rear seats must sit up straight, keep their
feet on the footwells, have the head restraints positioned for
use and wear their seat belts properly.To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking
manoeuvre or an accident, passengers on the rear bench seat must
consider the following:
– Adjust the head restraint to the correct position ⇒page 14. – Keep both feet in the footwell in front of the rear seat.
–Fasten your seat belt securely
⇒page 19.
– Use an appropriate child restrain t system when you take children
in the vehicle ⇒page 46.
WARNING
•If the passengers on the rear seat are not sitting properly, they could
sustain severe injuries.•Adjust the head restraint properly in order to achieve maximum protec-
tion.•Seat belts can only provide optimal protection when backrests are in an
upright position and the passengers are wearing their seat belts properly.
If passengers on the rear seat are not sitting in an upright position, the risk
of injury due to incorrect positioning of the seat belt increases.
WARNING (continued)
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Safe driving
16•do not allow anyone to travel in the footwell,•never travel without wearing the seat belt,•do not allow anyone to travel in the luggage compartment.WARNING
•Any incorrect sitting position increases the risk of severe injuries.•Sitting in an incorrect position exposes the occupants to severe injuries
if airbags are triggered, by striking a passenger who has assumed an incor-
rect sitting position.•Before the vehicle moves, assume the proper sitting position and main-
tain it throughout the trip. Before every trip, instruct your passengers to sit
properly and to stay in this position during the trip ⇒page 10, “Proper
sitting position for occupants”.
Pedal areaPedals
The operation of all pedals must never be impaired by objects
or floor mats.– Ensure that you can always press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals unimpaired to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unimpaired to their initial posi- tions.Use only floor mats which leave the pedal area free and can be securely
fastened on the footwell. If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must be pressed down thoroughly in
order to stop the vehicle.
Wearing suitable shoes
Always wear shoes which support your feet properly and give you a good
feeling for the pedals.
WARNING
•Restricting pedal operation can lead to critical situations while driving.•Never place objects on the driver footwell. An object could move into
the pedal area and impair pedal operation. In the event of a sudden driving
or braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to operate the brake, clutch or
accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!
Floor mats on the driver side
Only floor mats may be used which can be securely fastened
in the footwell and do not impair operation of the pedals.– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened during the trip and do not obstruct the pedals ⇒.Only use floor mats which leave the pedals clear and which are secured to
prevent them from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor mats from a special-
ised dealership. Fasteners* for floor mats are fitted in the footwells.
WARNING
•If the pedals are obstructed, an accident may occur. Risk of serious inju-
ries.•Ensure that the floor mats are always securely attached.
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Safe driving17
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk
of accident.
Storing objectsLoading the luggage compartment
All luggage and other loose objects must be safely secured in
the luggage compartment.Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the
driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the
centre of gravity.
– Distribute the load evenly in the luggage compartment.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage compartment.
–Place the heavy objects first.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening rings*.
WARNING
•Loose luggage and other objects in the luggage compartment could
cause serious injuries.•Always stow objects in the luggag e compartment and secure them on
the fastening rings.•Use suitable straps to secure heavy objects.•During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown
forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This increased risk of
injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating
airbag. If this happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk of
fatal injury.•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. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style
accordingly, to avoid accidents.•Never exceed the allowed axle weights or allowed maximum weight. 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.•Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment, closing the door
behind them; they will be trapped and run the risk of death.•Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. Close and lock all
the doors and tailgate when you leave the vehicle. Before you lock the
vehicle, make sure that there are no adults or children in the vehicle.•Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. All passen-
gers must have their seat belt fastened ⇒page 19.
WARNING (continued)
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Seat belts
22travelling just before the impact. This example applies not only to head-on
collisions, but to all accidents and collisions.The danger of not using the seat belt
The general belief that the passengers can protect them-
selves with their hands in a minor collision is false.
Even at low speeds the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great
that it is not possible to brace oneself with one’s hands. In a frontal collision,
unbelted passengers are thrown forward and will make violent contact with
the steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen or whatever else is in the way
⇒ fig. 9.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts. When triggered, airbags
provide only additional protection. All occupants (including the driver) must
wear seat belts properly during the trip. This will reduce the risk of severe
injuries in the event of an accident – re gardless of whether an airbag is fitted
for the seat or not.
Note that airbags can be triggered only once. To achieve the best possible
protection, the seat belt must always be worn properly so that you will be
protected in accidents in which no airbag is deployed.
I t is a ls o i m p o r ta n t f o r t h e r e a r p a ss e ng e r s t o w ea r s ea t b e l t s p r o p e r l y, as t h e y
could otherwise be thrown forward violently in an accident. Rear passengers
who do not use seat belts endanger not only themselves but also the front
occupants ⇒fig. 10 .
Fig. 9 A driver not
wearing a seat belt is
thrown forward violently.
Fig. 10 The unbelted rear
passenger is thrown
forward violently, hitting
the driver wearing a seat
belt.
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