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 . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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) with
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
222
224
224
224
225
225
226
226
228
231
232
233
236
240
242
245
247
250
250
258
258
260
267
269
273
282
285 289
289
289
291
291
293
293
294
295
296
298
299
300
302
303
304
306
307
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 4 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Cockpit
62Recommended gear display*
This display helps to save fuel.Use the gear display to save fuel. If you are driving in the correct gear, a dot
will be shown next to the gear display. If you are not in the correct gear, an
arrow will appear next to the gear display indicating whether you should
change up or down.Odometer or flexible service interval displayOdometer
The left-hand counter in the display registers the total amount of distance
covered by the vehicle.
The right-hand counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates
steps of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by holding down
the reset button for a few seconds. Service interval display
Ve hi cle s wi th Service intervals dependent on time/distance travelled
already
have certain service intervals set. The intervals are calculated individually in
vehicles with LongLife service .
The service interval display only indicates the dates of services that include
engine oil change. The dates of all other services, such as Inspection Service
or brake fluid change, appear in the sticker on the door pillar or in the Main-
tenance Programme.
A Service pre-warning will appear in the odometer if a service is due soon. A
“spanner” symbol appears and the display “km” with the distance that can
be driven until the next service appointment is due. The display will change
after approximately 10 seconds. A “clock symbol” appears and the number
of days until the service appointment should be carried out. The following
message is shown in the instrument panel display*:
Service in
[XXXX]
km
or
[XXXX]
days
The service message will disappear approximately 20 seconds after the igni-
tion is switched on or the engine is running. The normal display can be
resumed by briefly pressing the reset button on the trip counter or by pressing
the button on the steering wheel controls.
With the ignition on, you can check the current service message at any
moment in the Vehicle status menu or turning the reset button to access the
service display.
An overdue service is indicated by a minus sign in front of the mileage or day
information.
Fig. 40 Gear display
OK
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 62 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
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
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 66 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
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 model version.
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
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 81 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Cockpit87
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following message
will appear on the instrument panel display
17):
HANDBRAKE ON. Yo u w i l l a l s o
hear an acoustic warning signal.
•the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 245.
The instrument panel displays the following message
17): STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•there is a fault in the brake system.
The instrument panel displays the following message
17): BRAKE SYSTEM
FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
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 233.•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.
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 236.
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 238 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 193.
17)Depending on the model version.
18)Depending on the model version.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 87 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Driving
176If 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 269, “Fuses”.
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 282, “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 174, fig. 139 . 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 282.
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
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 176 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Driving and the environment205
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning in a new engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first 1500 km.Up to 1000 kilometres
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometres
– Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on, when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption
reduced.
Braking capacity and braking distance
The braking capacity and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an
Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Ser vice
Plan.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the vehicle, the effect of the brakes is
lessened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). In this case the
brakes should be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk
of accidents.•New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction
during the first 400 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also
applies when the brake pads have to be changed further on.•If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been salted, braking power may be lower than normal.•On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively used, they will overheat.
Before driving down a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed and
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 205 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning221
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Underbody protection
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical
and mechanical damage.The protective coating can be damaged when driving. We recommend you to
check the protective coating under the body and on the running gear, and
reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend you to go to your Authorised Service Centre to carry out repair
work and additional anti-corrosion work.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust system. The heat of
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite. Risk of fire.Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the vehicle
is frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the vehicle,
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and
after winter.
Yo u r A u t h o r i s e d S e r v i ce Ce n t re has got the necessary equipment to provide
the correct cleaning and preserving products. For this reason, we recommend
having this work performed by them. The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned.
On commissioning this work, ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and
components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion treatment.
WARNING
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 233.•Before opening the bonnet, switch the engine off, apply the handbrake
firmly and always remove the key from the ignition.•Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.•Do not clean the vehicle underbody, wheel arches or wheel trims
without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-
edged metal parts. Failure to comply could result in injury.•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed.
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason,
engine washing should only be carried out at a specialised workshop or an
adequate petrol station.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 221 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12