2012 Seat Altea Freetrack stop start

111
Unlocking and locking
Closing the sliding/tilting sunroof
– Turn the rotary button to position A
⇒ fig. 68 ⇒ .
Opening the sliding/tilting sunroof
– Turn the rotary button to position B
. The sunroof opens to the
convenience position where wind noise is reduced.
– To open the roof further, turn the switch to position C
and hold
the switch in this position until the roof opens to the desired
position.
Tilting the sliding/tilting sunroof
– Turn the rotary button to position D
.
Always close the sliding/tilting sunroof fully if you park the vehicle or leave
it unattended ⇒ 
.
The sliding/tilting sunroof can be operated for up to about 10 minutes after
the ignition has been switched off, provided the driver door and the front
passenger door are not opened.
Sun visor
The sun visor is opened together with the sliding/tilting sunroof. If required,
it can be closed by hand when the sunroof is closed.
WARNING
● Incorrect use of the sliding/tilting sunroof can result in injury.
● Never close the sliding/tilting sunroof without checking there are no
obstructions, to do otherwise could cause serious injury to you and oth-
ers. Make sure that no one is in the path of the sliding/tilting sunroof.
● Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.
WARNING (Continued)
● Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle, particularly if
they have access to the keys. Unsupervised use of a key could mean that
the engine is started or that electrical equipment is used (e.g. electric
sliding/tilting sunroof). Risk of accident! The doors can be locked using
the remote control key. This could make the aid difficult in an emergency
situation.
● The sliding/tilting sunroof continues to function until one of the front
doors is opened and the key removed from the ignition.

Convenience closing*
Using the door lock
– Hold the key in the door lock of the driver door in the locking
position until the sliding/tilting sunroof is closed.
– Release the key to interrupt this function.
Using the remote control
– Push the lock button on the remote control for about 3 seconds.
The sliding/tilting sunroof is closed.
– Release the unlock button to interrupt the function.
– When the sliding/tilting sunroof has closed completely, the turn
signals flash once.
Note
The sliding/tilting sunroof rotary knob remains in the last position selected
if the roof is closed using convenience closing from outside the vehicle and
will have to be re-positioned the next time you drive. 
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117
Lights and visibility
Instrument and switch lighting / Headlight range control
Fig. 73 Dash panel: reg-
ulation for instrument
and switch illumination
and headlight range con-
trol
Instrument and switch lighting 1
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments
and switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning
the thumb wheel
⇒ fig. 73 1
.
The instrument lighting (dials and needles), the centre console illumination
and the illumination of the displays are regulated by a photodiode incorpo-
rated in the instrument panel.
The instrument lighting (dials and needles) is switched on when the igni-
tion is on and the vehicle lights are off . The instrument lighting is dimmed
automatically as the daylight starts to fade. It goes out completely when the
ambient light level is very low. This function is intended to remind the driver
to switch on the dipped beam headlights in good time when light condi-
tions become poor.
Headlight range control 2
By using the electrical headlight range control, 2 you can adjust the head-
light range to the load level that is being carried in the vehicle. This way, it is possible to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic more than necessary. At the
same time, by using the correct headlight settings, the driver has the best
possible lighting for the road ahead.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To lower the beam, turn the thumb wheel down
2
from the basic setting
0.
Dynamic headlight range control
Vehicles with gas discharge bulbs (“xenon bulbs”) are equipped with dy-
namic headlight range control . This means that the headlights will be ad-
justed to suit the load level of the vehicle and “nodding movements” when
pulling off and braking are automatically compensated for.
Vehicles with gas discharge bulbs do not have headlight range control. 
Adaptive headlights* (for driving round bends)
When driving around bends, the headlights will light the
most important areas of the road.
Fig. 74 Cornering light-
ing using adaptive head-
lights 
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119
Lights and visibility
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehi- cle.
Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for example
when:
● reaching the tail end of a traffic jam,
● there is an emergency
● your vehicle breaks down due to a technical fault,
● you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. That is that the two turn signal turn signal lamps   and the
turn signal lamp in the switch  will flash at the same time. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
Emergency braking warning
If the vehicle is braked suddenly and continuously at a speed of more than
80 km/h, the brake light flashes several times per second to warn vehicles
driving behind. If you continue braking, the hazard warning lights will come
on automatically when the vehicle comes to a standstill. They switch off au-
tomatically when the vehicle starts to move again.
WARNING
● The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the atten-
tion of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
● Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!
Note
● The battery will run down if the hazard warning lights are left on for a
long time, even if the ignition is switched off.
● The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rel-
evant statutory requirements. 
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the park-
ing lights and the headlight flasher.
Fig. 76 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒ fig. 76 1
to indicate right, and
all the way down 2 to indicate left. 
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125
Lights and visibility
short intervals. Four wiper interval stages can be set using
switch A
.
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position 2
.
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position 3
.
Short wipe
– Move the lever down to position 4
to give the windscreen a
short wipe. The wiper will start to move faster if you keep the
lever pressed down for longer than two seconds.
Wash and wipe automatic system 
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel - Position 5
. The
wash function will start immediately and the wipers will start
with a slight delay. The wash and wiper systems will function at
the same time at speeds of over 120 km/h.
– Release the lever. The wipers will keep running for approximate-
ly four seconds.
Heated windscreen in the wiper blade area*
In some countries and with some versions, there is the possibility of heat-
ing the windscreen in the area of the windscreen wiper blades in order to
aid de-icing in the zone. The function is switched on by pressing the heated
rear window key .
WARNING
● Worn and dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and safety levels while
driving.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the heating and ventilation sys-
tem. The washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and ob-
scure your view of the road.
● Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒ page 229, Changing
windscreen wiper blades.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. If you switch on the wipers
when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you could damage
both the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
● The windscreen wipers will only work when the ignition is switched on.
● In certain versions of vehicles with alarms, the windscreen wiper will on-
ly work when the ignition is on and the bonnet closed.
● When in use, the wipers do not go as far as the rest position. When the
lever is moved to position 0, they are totally hidden.
● The next speed down will automatically be selected if speed ⇒ fig. 84
2
or 3 is selected when the vehicle stops. The set speed will be resumed
when the vehicle starts again
● The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds
once the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated, provided the
vehicle is in transit (drip function). If you activate the wipers less than three
seconds after the drip function, a new wash sequence will begin without the
last wipe. For the “drip” function to work again, you have to turn the ignition
off and then on again. 
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127
Lights and visibility
Rear window wiper 
The windscreen wiper lever operates the windscreen wiper
and the wash and wipe system for the rear window.
Fig. 87 Windscreen wip-
er and windscreen wash
lever: rear window wiper
Switching on the interval wipe
– Press the lever forwards to position 6
⇒ fig. 87. The wiper will
wipe the window approximately every 6 seconds.
Switching off the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever back from position 6
towards the steering wheel.
The wiper will continue to function for a short period if you
switch off whilst the wipers are in motion.
Switching on the windscreen wiper and washer system
– Press the lever fully forwards to position 7
⇒ fig. 87. The wash
function will start immediately and the wiper will start with a
slight delay. The windscreen wash system will function as long
as you hold the lever in this position. –
Release the lever. The wiper then wipes for approximately 4 sec-
onds, and then in intervals again.
– Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wipers
function.
WARNING
● Worn and dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and safety levels while
driving.
● Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒ page 229, Changing
windscreen wiper blades.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blade is not frozen to the
glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you switch on the wiper
when the wiper blade is frozen to the glass, this could damage both the
wiper blade and the wiper motor.
Note
● The windscreen wiper will only function when the ignition is switched on
and the tailgate is closed.
● In reverse gear, with the windscreen wipers switched on, the rear wind-
screen wiper will make one wipe. 
Headlight washer*
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses. The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen
washer is used and the windscreen wiper lever is pulled towards the steer-
ing wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped beam headlights 
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147
Seats and storage compartments
Cigarette lighter*
Fig. 116 The cigarette
lighter is located in the
electric socket on the
front of the centre con-
sole
– Press on the cigarette lighter ⇒ fig. 116 to activate it ⇒ 
.
– Wait for the lighter to pop out slightly.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glow-
ing coil.
WARNING
● Improper use of the cigarette lighter can lead to serious injuries or
start a fire.
● Using the lighter carefully. Carelessness or negligence when using
the cigarette lighter can cause burns, risk of injury.
● The lighter only works when the ignition is turned on or the engine is
running. To avoid the risk of fire, never leave children alone inside the ve-
hicle.
 Electrical sockets
Electrical equipment can be connected to any of the 12 volt
sockets.
Fig. 117 Power socket in
front centre console
Fig. 118 Power socket in
luggage compartment

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167
Driving
WARNING (Continued)
● Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of
at least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest ⇒ fig. 135. If
you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not protect you.
Risk of fatal injury.
● If your physical constitution does not allow you to maintain the mini-
mum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The Au-
thorised Service Centre will help you to decide if special specific modifi-
cations are necessary.
● If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face,
the driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident.
Make sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
● 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. 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, or on the inside of the rim). In
such cases, if the airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the
arms, hands and head.
 Safety
Electronic Stability Control ESC* (ESP)
The ESC (ESP) helps to make driving safer in certain critical
handling situations.
Fig. 136 Detailed view of
the centre console: ESC
(ESP) button
The Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control system ASR (TCS). The ESC (ESP) function
works together with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESC
(ESP) or ABS systems are faulty.
The ESC (ESP) is activated automatically when the engine is started.
The ESC (ESP) is always active, and cannot be deactivated. With the ESC
(ESP) switch it is only possible to deactivate the ASR (TCS).
The ASR (TCS) can be deactivated in those cases where wheel sliding is de-
sirable.
For example: 
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169
Driving
Starting 2
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Every time the vehicle is started again, the ignition key must be turned to
position 0
. The
repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
● The ignition key must NOT be removed from the lock until the vehicle
comes to a standstill. Otherwise, the steering could be immediately
blocked- Risk of accident!
● Always remove the key from the ignition when leaving the vehicle,
even for a short period. This is especially important if children or disa-
bled people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the
engine or work electrical equipment such as the electric windows, conse-
quently resulting in an accident.
● Unsupervised use of the keys could start the engine or any electrical
system, such as the electric window. This could result in serious injury.
CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key
position 2
). 
Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driv-
ing the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser au-
tomatically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull
the key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with its correct
code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used. 
Starting and stopping the engine Starting petrol 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 start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position ⇒ page 168.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the start-
er motor must not run on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the ac-
celerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications