2012 Seat Altea Freetrack service interval

201
Trailer towing
Trailer towing Instructions to follow
Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
⇒ page 202.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up
to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspond-
ingly steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and drawbar loads that are given on the data
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for
the towing bracket, are given in the vehicle documents or in ⇒ chapter Tech-
nical Data.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the stick-
er on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres
in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension brack-
ets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the ve-
hicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

222Checking and refilling levels
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 oil General notes
The 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 to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should ap-
pear 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 Pro-
gramme, be performed by an Authorised Service Centre or a specialised
workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in ⇒ page 223, 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 pro-
grammed. 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 223 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒  page 223 (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 al-
so appear in ⇒ page 223, 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 223 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).

223
Checking and refilling levels
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The “Maintenance Programme” states whether your vehicle is fitted with a
diesel particulate filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash formation, may be used in die-
sel engines equipped with particulate filter. Using other types of oil will
cause a higher soot concentration and reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:
● Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 223 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can use a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00,
VW 506 01, VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3 / ACEA B4 specification. (up
to 0.5 l). 
Oil properties
Engine typeSpecificationPetrol without flexible service in-
tervalVW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service interval
(LongLife)VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without Particu-
late filter (DPF)VW 505 01 / VW 506 01 / VW 507 00
Diesel. Engines with particulate
filter (DPF)
With or without flexible service in-
terval (with or without LongLife) a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed. 
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.
Fig. 159 Engine oil dip-
stick
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service tempera-
ture is reached and stop.
– Wait two minutes. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

224Checking and refilling levels
–Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and
insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒ fig. 159.
Top up with engine oil if necessary.
Oil level in area A
Do not add oil.
Oil level in area B
Oil
can be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after in zone A
Oil level in area COil
must be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after in zone
A
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is
used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely
to be higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before
a journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must
be carried out cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 219.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised
Service Centre. 
–
–
–
Topping up engine oil

Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Fig. 160 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ 
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on
page 219.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 160.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using
small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area B
, carefully close the cap.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment illustration ⇒ page 278. 

225
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil specification ⇒ page 222.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system. 
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule. We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge re-
quired!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 219, Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm
horizontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of
the reach of children.
CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
● Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and spe-
cialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil and
filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
● Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
● Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be large
enough to hold all the engine oil. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

232Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 219.

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 219 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 ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 219.
WARNING (Continued)
● 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 Pro-
gramme. 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 ac-
cident.
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 neces-
sary equipment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing of this
waste material. 
Vehicle battery Warnings on handling the battery
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective
gloves and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited! 

Engine managementWarning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine oil pressure Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65, 85
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Environmental friendliness . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Environmentally friendly driving . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Environmental tip Avoiding pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87, 167, 189
ESP see ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87, 167, 189
Example of menu use Program a speed limit warning . . . . . . . . . . 68
To activate and deactivate the speed limitwarning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Example of the use of the menus Open the Configuration menu with the MFIlever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Open the Configuration menu with the steering wheel controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Examples of menu use Open the main menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Open the winter tyres menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
To close the winter tyres menu . . . . . . . . . . 68
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
F
Fabric trim cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Fastening rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Flexible service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Folding the seat backrests down . . . . . . . . . . 137
Folding tray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Front drinks holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Front interior light type 1 Switching light off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Switching light on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Front interior light type 2 Switching light off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Switching light on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Front passenger airbag deactivation . . . . . . . . 44
Front reading lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Front seat adjustment Lumbar support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Fuel Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275 Fuel level
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Fuel reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Warning message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Fuel tank see Fuel reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Fuel Tank Opening the fuel tank flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Fuel: save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
G
G 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Gear shift pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
General overview of the engine compartment 278
Glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Glow plug system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
H
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
HBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Headlight flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
288 Index