2011 Seat Altea XL tailgate

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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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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Cockpit
88Indicator for open doors or tailgate*
o
This warning lamp lights up if one of the doors or the tailgate
is open.The warning light
o should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off
approx. 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
Electromechanical steering*

For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends on
the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out once the engine is started.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the engine
running. The warning light only goes off after a distance of approx. 50 m.
There is a fault in the electromechanical steering system if the lamp does not
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. The warning lamp may
appear in two different colours to indicate faults. If it lights yellow, this indi-
cates a minor fault. If it lights red, seek workshop assistance immediately, as
the steering assistance is not working; in this case you should not keep
driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance. The power steering
does not work if the battery is flat or if the engine is off (for example, for
towing). You should take into account that you will need considerably more
power than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working
correctly or at all.
For those vehicles fitted with ESP* the function “Recommended steering
manoeuvre” is included. See ⇒page 199.
Emission control system*

This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp
 flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce
speed and drive carefully to the nearest specialised workshop to have the
engine checked.
The instrument panel displays the following message
19): EXHAUST GAS SEE
WORKSHOP
Warning lamp
 is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest specialised workshop to have the engine checked.
The following message is shown in the instrument panel display: EXHAUST
GAS SEE WORKSHOP .
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
/ l
There are two warning lamps for the electronic stability
programme. The
 lamp provides information concerning
the function and the l provides information on the discon-
nection status
B ot h lam ps com e on to ge the r whe n th e ig nit io n is s wi tche d o n an d s ho uld go
out after approx. 2 seconds, which is how long the function check lasts.19)Depending on the model version.
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Unlocking and locking99
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Unlocking and lockingCentral locking Basic functions
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock all
doors by just pushing the button.Description
Central locking can be activated by using any of the following options:•the key, by inserting it into the driver door cylinder and rotating it manu-
ally,•the central locking button in the vehicle interior ⇒page 102.•the radio frequency remote control , using the buttons on the key,
⇒ page 107
Various functions are available to improve the vehicle safety:
– Locking system “Safe”
– Selective unlocking system*
– Automatic speed-dependent locking and unlocking system*
– Self-locking system to prevent involuntary unlocking
– Emergency unlocking system
Unlocking the vehicle*
–Press button ⇒page 107, fig. 64 on the remote control to unlock all
the doors and tailgate. Locking the vehicle*
– Press button
⇒page 107, fig. 64 on the remote control to lock all
doors and the tailgate or turn the key in the door to lock all doors and the
tailgate.
WARNING
•Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their
own.•Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. A locked vehicle
can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures, depending on
the time of year, thus causing serious injuries/illness. It could even have
fatal consequences. Close and lock both the tailgate and all the other doors
when you are not using the vehicle.•Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle. Misuse
of the keys, for example, by children, may result in serious damage and
accident.
−The engine may accidentally be started and be out of control.
− If the ignition is switched on, the electric equipment could be acti-
vated with risk of injury, for example, in the electric windows.
− The doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could
make the aid difficult in an emergency situation.
− Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.•Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to turn the
steering wheel.


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Unlocking and locking101
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Unlocking all doors and the luggage compartment
The unlock button on the remote control must be pressed twice so that all
doors and the luggage compartment can be opened.
Press twice within 2 seconds to deactivate the Safe system for the entire
vehicle, to unlock all doors and to use the luggage compartment. The warning
lamp and the alarm (only vehicles fitted with one) are turned off.
Automatic speed dependent locking and unlocking system*
This is a safety system which
prevent the access to the vehicle
from the outside when it is running (for example, when
stopped at a traffic light).Locking
The doors and the tailgate are automatically locked when vehicle speed
exceeds 15 km/h.
If the vehicle is stopped and one of the doors is opened, when the vehicle
moves off again and exceeds a speed of 15 km/h, the unlocked door(s) will
be locked once more.
Unlocking
The driver door automatically unlocks when the key is removed from the igni-
tion.
Each door can be unlocked and opened independently from the inside (for
example, when a passenger gets out of it). To do it, simply operate the lever
inside the door.
WARNING
The door handles must not be operated when the vehicle is running: the
door would open.
Locking system for involuntary unlocking*
It is an anti-theft system and prevents the unintentional
unlocking of the vehicle.If the vehicle is unlocked and any of the doors (including the tailgate) are
opened within 30 seconds, it gets re-locked automatically. This function
prevents the vehicle from remaining unlocked if the unlock button is pressed
by mistake.Emergency unlocking systemIf the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle is unlocked, except
for the luggage compartment. It is possible to lock the vehicle from inside
with the central locking, after turning the ignition off and back on again.
If the doors must be locked from the outside, see “Emergency locking of the
doors”

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Unlocking and locking
102Central locking button
The central locking button allows you to lock and unlock the
vehicle from the inside.Locking the vehicle
–Press the button ⇒.
Unlocking the doors
–Press button .The central locking button is still operative when the ignition is switched off.
Except when the Safe security system is activated.
Please note the following if you lock your vehicle with the central locking
button:•For safety reasons it is not possible to open the doors or the tailgate from
the outside (for instance, when stopped at a traffic light).
•The driver door and/or front passenger door cannot be locked if any of the
vehicle doors (except the tailgate) are open. This avoids the user from forget-
ting his key inside the vehicle.•Repeated operation of the central locking will deactivate the central
locking button for 30 seconds. Once this time has passed, the button if oper-
ative again.•There is a danger of leaving the key inside the vehicle if the vehicle is
locked by the central locking button when the driver door is closed and any of
the rear doors open. On closing any of the rear doors, the vehicle locks and
the keys remain inside it.•All doors can be locked separately from inside the vehicle. Do this by
pulling the door release lever once.WARNING
•If the vehicle is locked, children and disabled people may be trapped
inside it.•The central locking button is not operative in the following cases:•When the vehicle is locked from the outside (with the remote control or
the key).•While the ignition is not activated after unlocking the door lock cylinder
with the key.Note
•Vehicle locked, amber button .•Vehicle unlocked, red button .
Fig. 59 Detailed view of
the centre console:
central locking button



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Unlocking and locking107
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Radio frequency remote controlLocking and unlocking the vehicle
The remote control key is used to lock and unlock the vehicle
from a distance.
Using the button ⇒fig. 64 (arrow) on the control, the key blade is released.
Unlocking the vehicle ⇒fig. 64 .
Locking the vehicle ⇒fig. 64 .
Unlocking the tailgate. Press button ⇒fig. 64 until all the turn signals
on the vehicle flash briefly. When the unlocking button is pressed,
you have 2 minutes to open the door. Once this time has passed, it will lock
again.
Also, the battery indicator on the key ⇒fig. 64 , will flash.
The remote control transmitter and the batteries are integrated in the key. The
receiver is inside the vehicle. The maximum range depends on different
factors. The range is reduced as the batteries start to lose power.
Selective unlocking*
When the button ⇒fig. 64 , is pressed once, the driver door is
unlocked, all others remain locked.
Press the button ⇒fig. 64 twice to unlock all doors.
Fig. 64 Assignment of
buttons on the remote
control key
Fig. 65 Range of the
remote control

A1

A2
A3
A3

A1

A1
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Unlocking and locking
108
WARNING
•An improper use of the key can cause serious injuries.•Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their
own.•Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. Otherwise, this could result in
serious injuries, accidents or even the theft of your vehicle. Always take the
key with you when you leave the vehicle.•An uncontrolled use of the key could start the engine or activate any
electric equipment (e.g. electric windows), causing risk of accident. The
vehicle can be locked when using the remote control key. This could
complicate the aid in case of emergency.Note
•The remote control can be programmed by means of pressing the
unlocking button once; as a result, only the driver door will unlock. When the
button is pressed once more, all doors and the tailgate will be unlocked.•The remote control functions only when you are in range ⇒page 107,
fig. 65 (red area).•If the vehicle is unlocked using the button, it will lock again auto-
matically if any of the doors or the tailgate are not opened within 30 seconds
after unlocking it. This function prevents the vehicle from remaining unlocked
if the unlock button is pressed by mistake.•If the vehicle cannot be opened and closed using the remote control, the
remote control key will have to be re-synchronised ⇒page 108.
Changing the batteryIf the battery indicator does not flash when the buttons are pushed, the
battery must be replaced.
Caution
The use of inappropriate batteries may damage the radio frequency remote
control. For this reason, always replace the dead battery with another of the
same size and power.
For the sake of the environment
Used batteries must be disposed of at an appropriate waste facility or
through an authorised service, given that their components can affect the
environment.Synchronising the remote control key
If it is not possible to unlock or lock the door with the remote
control, it should be re-synchronised.–Press the ⇒page 107, fig. 64 button on the remote control.
– Then close the vehicle using the key bit within one minute.It is possible that the vehicle could no longer be opened and closed with the
remote control if the button is repeatedly pressed outside of the effective
range of the radio frequency remote control. The remote control key will have
to be resynchronised.
Spare remote control keys are available in your Authorised Service Centres,
where they must be matched to the locking system.
Up to eight remote control keys can be used.
A1


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