Driving
192segments combined with a discontinuous beep indicate the presence of an
obstacle. As the vehicle gets closer to the obstacle, the colour of the segment
changes to red and the acoustic signal beeps continuously. When the penul-
timate segment is displayed, this means that the vehicle has reached the
collision zone. Stop moving immediately! ⇒
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver is
personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.•The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered.
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will not
always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.•Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and make full
use of the rear view mirrors.Caution
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the vehicle moves closer, so the system will not
give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences,
chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be
detected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
•Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒ page 192.•There is a slight delay in the picture display.
To w i n g b r a c k e tIn towing mode, the rear parking aid sensors are not enabled when you select
reverse gear or press the switch
. This function may not be guaranteed on
towing brackets that are not factory fitted. This results in the following restric-
tions:
SEAT Parking System*
No warning is given.
SEAT Parking System Plus*
There is no rear distance warning. The system will still give a warning when
obstacles are detected while driving forward. The optical display changes to
towing mode.
Fault messagesIf you hear a long beep for a few seconds and the LED on the switch
* starts
flashing when you switch on the parking aid, a system fault has occurred.
Please refer the problem to an Authorised SEAT dealer or specialised work-
shop.
Note
If the fault is not corrected before you switch off the ignition, it will only be
indicated by the flashing LED on the switch
the next time you switch on
the parking aid.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 192 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Checking and refilling levels
236If the b onn et d o es n ot clos e , do not p ress d ownwa rds . Op e n it o nce m or e an d
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.•If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk
of accident.
Engine oilGeneral notesThe engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change
the oil, always use an oil that complies with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should
appear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance
Programme, be performed by an Authorised Service Centre or a specialised
workshop. The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in
⇒page 237, “Oil
properties”.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the Maintenance Programme
booklet is QG1, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service
programmed. If it has the codes QG0 or QG2 the interval service is dependent
on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, allow to extend the oil change
service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it must only
be used observing the following indications:
•Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 237 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up (once)
with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒ page 237 (up to a maximum of 0.5
litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which also
appear in ⇒page 237, “Oil properties”. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (whatever comes first)
⇒ Booklet “Maintenance Programme”.•In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 237 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you can
put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5 l).
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 236 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Checking and refilling levels
246However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 77.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 233.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates the brake fluid
change intervals.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 233 in
section “Safety notes for working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
could impair the braking effect.
It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with US standard
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
•Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 233.•Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.•Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance
Programme. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake
fluid is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the effi-
ciency of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an acci-
dent.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and fluid must be collected and disposed of according the
applicable regulations. The SEAT Technical Service network has the necessary
equipment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing of this waste
material.
WARNING (continued)
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 246 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Checking and refilling levels
248•If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from freezing. If it freezes it will be damaged.Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the engine bonnet and the battery cover ⇒ in “Safety
instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 233 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 247.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until they disperse.The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒page 293.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery.
There are two different colours:•Black: correct charge status.•Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a special-
ised workshop.
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long
periods, the battery should be checked by a specialised workshop between
the scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle, the
battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have the
vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be re-
charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has
special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety spec-
ifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
•We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof
batteries which comply with standards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This
standard applies as of 2001.•Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe
the warnings ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 247.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 248 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Wheels and tyres251
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are
cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be
reduced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pressure
should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a
journey.
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given are for cold tyres. Do not reduce the
slightly raised pressures of warm tyres ⇒.
WARNING
•Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking the tyre
pressure is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, there
is an increased danger of accidents - particularly at high speeds.•A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!•At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Always observe the recommended tyre pressures.•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not handle well. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
Tyre pressure monitoring
The tyre pressure monitoring system constantly checks the
pressure of the tyres.The system uses the speed sensors of the ABS wheels. It operates by
analysing the speed and frequency spectrum of each wheel.
For optimum performance, use genuine SEAT tyres. In addition, check and
adjust tyre pressures regularly.
Whenever the tyre pressures are changed or one or more tyres are changed,
the system should be Reset by pressing the SET switch on the centre console.
The system warns the driver in the event of a loss of pressure by means of
symbols and messages in the instrument panel display. The system uses ESP
⇒ page 199.
Note that tyre pressure also depends on tyre temperature. Tyre pressure
increases about 0.1 bar for each 10 °C in tyre temperature increase. The tyre
heats up while the vehicle is being driven and the tyre pressure will rise
accordingly. For this reason, you should only adjust the tyre pressures when
they are cold (i.e. approximately at ambient temperature).
To ensure that the tyre pressure monitoring system works reliably, you should
check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre pressures at regular intervals and
store the correct pressures (reference values) in the system.
A tyre pr essure i nfor ma ti on lab e l is a tta che d to t he insi de o f the fu el ta nk f lap.
WARNING
•Never adjust tyre pressure when the tyres are hot. This may damage or
even burst the tyres. Risk of accident!•An insufficiently inflated tyre flexes a lot more at high speeds and
causes significant heating of the tyre. Under these conditions, the tyre
bead may be released or the tyre may burst. Risk of accident!
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 251 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Wheels and tyres
254
Driving with run-flat tyres (emergency running)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (Electronic Stability Programme) switched on, or switch on ⇒ page 199.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h maximum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Look out for the ESP/TCS intervening often, smoke coming from the tyres or the smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrating or a clat-
tering noise. If any of these occur, stop the vehicle.The run-flat tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description:
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air they are
supported on the sides (emergency driving).
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can
then drive a maximum of 80 km and if the circumstances are favourable (for
example, low load), even more.
The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should be
checked in a specialised workshop to detect possible damage and replace it
if necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more than one
tyre is being used under emergency co nditions, this reduces the distance
which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this means
that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions ⇒.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
•smoke is coming from one of the tyres,•there is a smell of rubber,•the vehicle vibrates,•there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving even using run-flat tyres?•If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a tyre
has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be thrown
off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.•It is also advisable to stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel
starts overheating and gives off smoke.WARNING
When driving in emergency conditions, the driving quality of the vehicle is
considerably impaired.•The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h is subject to road and
weather conditions. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.•Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres, and brake earlier than usual.•Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.•If one or more tyres are being driven in emergency conditions, the
driving quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•The run-flat tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they are
supported on the reinforced sides. Therefore defects in the tyre cannot be
detected with a visual inspection.•Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency
conditions.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 254 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
If and when271
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Fuses on left side of dash panelFusesNumber
Consumer
Amps
1
Va can t
2
Va can t
3
Va can t
4
Va can t
5
Va can t
6
Va can t
7
Va can t
8
Va can t
9
Airbag
5
10
RSE input (roof screen)
10
11
Va can 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 can t
22
Volumetric alarm sensor/ Alarm horn
5
23
Diagnosis / Rain sensor / Light switch
10
24
Trailer hook pre-installation assistant
15
25
Va can t
26
Vacuum pump
20
27
RSE supply (Ceiling display) without START STOP
10
28
Rear window wiper motor
20
29
Va can t
30
Cigarette lighter / socket
20
31
Va can t
32
Va can t
33
Heater
40
34
Va can t
35
Va can t
36
Va can t
37
Va can t
38
Va can t
39
Trailer control unit (coupling)
15
Number
Consumer
Amps
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 271 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Index309
Correct sitting position
Front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Incorrect sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Cruise control* Turning off the cruise control system . . . . . 195
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42DDanger of fitting a child seat on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Dash panel cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Daytime lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Activating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Deactivating front passenger airbag Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Deactivating the airbag Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Diesel engine Winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Diesel engine particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Differential lock fault (EDL)
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Dipped beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Display (without warning or information texts) . 61
Disposal Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Door lock cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Door release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Doors Childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Drawer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Drive wheels traction control system . . . . . . . . 198
Driver See Correct sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Driveshaft differential XDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Driving Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Economically / Environmentally friendly . . 207
With a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210 Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Driving programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Driving safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Driving with an automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Duplicate keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Dust filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Dynamic cornering lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Dynamic headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . 122
EEconomical driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Electric power steering Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Electrical sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Electronic differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90, 175
Electronic Stability Programme . . . . . . . . . 88, 199 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Emergency braking warning . . . . . . . . . . 124, 197
Emergency manual locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Emergency opening Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Emission control system Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Engine Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Engine compartment Working in the engine compartment . . . . . 233
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 309 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12