2012 Seat Altea Freetrack battery

Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Instructions to follow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Ball coupling of towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 205
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 228
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . . . . . . . 245
Wheel change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Tyre repair kit (Tyre Mobility System)* . . . . . . . . . 252
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Technical Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . 274
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Petrol engine 2.0 155 kW (211 PS) Front-wheel
drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Petrol engine 2.0 155 kW (211 PS) All-wheel
drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) DPF
with/without Start-Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) DPF
All-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 125 kW (170 PS) DPF
All-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
4Table of Contents

62Cockpit
Indications for vehicles with LongLife service
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing re-
quirements. With the LongLife System, SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an interval service when it is necessary. The length of the service inter-
vals (max. two years) is determined by factors such as conditions under
which the vehicle is used and personal driving style.
The service pre-warning will first appear 20 days before the date on which
the service is due. The distance travelled is rounded off to the nearest 100
km and the time to full days. The current service message can only be con-
sulted 500 km after the last service. Until that time, only dashes are dis-
played.
Note
● If you reset the display manually, the next service interval will be indica-
ted after 15 000 km or one year and will not be calculated individually.
● Do not reset the display between service intervals as the display will
otherwise be incorrect.
● In LongLife Service vehicles, if the battery is disconnected for a long pe-
riod, the days remaining until the next service cannot be calculated. There-
fore, the service message displays on the instrument panel may be incor-
rect. Take into account the maximum authorised service intervals. Multifunction display (MFI)*
The multifunction display (MFI) shows you information on
the journey and fuel consumption.
Fig. 40 Rocker buttons A
and B. Steering wheel
controls.
Fig. 41 Digital instru-
ment panel display


79
Cockpit
Information messages displayed on the screen*
Message a)Description
SERVICEThe service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to an au-
thorised service.
IMMOBILIS-
ERImmobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take
the vehicle to an authorised service.
ERRORInstrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to an authorised
service.
CLEAN AIRFILTERWarning: The air filter must be cleaned
NO KEYWarning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.KEY BATTERYWarning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCHWarning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual
gearbox and Start/Stop system.
--> P/NWarning: Place the selector level in P/N to start. Only in ve-
hicles with automatic gearbox.
--> PWarning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the
engine.
STARTINGWarning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop system
activated.
START MAN- UALLYWarning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop
system activated.
ERROR
START STOPWarning: Start-Stop system error.
START STOP
IMPOSSIBLEWarning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on, the
engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the neces-
sary conditions are met
START STOP ACTIVEWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Vehicle in Stop mode.
SWITCH OFFWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Switch off the ignition
when you leave the vehicle.
STOP TRANS-MISSIONTOO HOTWarning: Stop the engine. Gearbox overheated.
BRAKEWarning: To start the engine, press the brake pedal. Only in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
COASTING FUNCTIONWarning: Coasting mode active. Transmission engaged. On-
ly in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
CHECK SAFE- LOCKNotification of central locking function activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehicle model. 
Fuel level / reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is under
the reserve level.
It lights up when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. You will also hear a
warning signal. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel tank as soon as possible
⇒ page 216.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: PLEASE REFUEL! .
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

83
Cockpit
Alternator 
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
go out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest special-
ised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessa-
ry because this will drain the battery. 
Worn brake pads 
If the  symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for safety rea-
sons, the rear pads as well) inspected by a specialised workshop. Tyre pressure 
The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.
Fig. 50 Centre console:
tyre monitor system but-
ton
The tyre warning lamp 1)
compares wheel revolutions and with this informa-
tion, the diameter of each wheel using the ESC (ESP) sensors. If the diame-
ter of a wheel changes, the tyre warning lamp  lights up. The wheel diam-
eter changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● The tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
● The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving
with a trailer or on extreme slopes).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains. 
1)
Depending on the model version
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

84Cockpit
● The temporary spare wheel is fitted.
● The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or after changing one or more
wheels, the button ⇒  fig. 50 must be kept pressed while the ignition is on
until an acoustic signal is heard and the warning lamp goes out.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre moni-
tor system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure warning lamp  lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is much lower than the value set
by the driver, the tyre control warning lamp lights up ⇒ 
.
The tyre pressure warning lamp  flashes
If the tyre pressure warning lamp flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the
nearest specialist workshop.
WARNING
● When the tyre pressure warning lamp lights up, reduce speed imme-
diately and avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible,
and check the tyre pressure and status.
● The driver is responsible for maintaining correct tyre pressures. For
this reason, tyre pressure must be regularly checked.
● Under certain circumstances (for example, when driving in a sports-
like manner, in winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre warning lamp
may light up or function incorrectly.
Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow warning lamp  lights up after
turning the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey. 
Bulb defect 
The warning lamp lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's ex-
terior lighting is defective.
The warning lamp  lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exterior lighting
(e.g. left-hand main beam) is defective.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: LEFT FULL BEAM
FAULTY. 
Brake system* 
This warning lamp lights up if the brake fluid level is too low
or if there is a fault in the system.
This warning lamp  lights up if
● the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 231.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: BRAKE SYSTEM
FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

86Cockpit
Indicator for open doors or tailgate* 
This warning lamp lights up if one of the doors or the tail-
gate is open.
The warning light  should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off ap-
prox. 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 en-
gine running. The warning light only goes off after a distance of approx.
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
indicates a minor fault. If it lights red, seek workshop assistance immedi-
ately, 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 exam-
ple, for towing). You should take into account that you will need considera-
bly more power than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not
working correctly or at all. For those vehicles fitted with ESC* (ESP) the function “Recommended steer-
ing manoeuvre” is included. See
⇒ page 189. 
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 1)
: 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 . 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
50 m.

102Unlocking and locking
Radio frequency remote control
Locking and unlocking the vehicle
The remote control key is used to lock and unlock the vehicle
from a distance.
Fig. 62 Assignment of
buttons on the remote
control key
Fig. 63 Range of the re-
mote control
Using the button ⇒ fig. 62 (arrow) on the control, the key blade is released. Unlocking the vehicle 
⇒ fig. 62
1.
Locking the vehicle 
⇒ fig. 62
2.
Unlocking the tailgate. Press button 
⇒ fig. 62
3 until all the turn sig-
nals on the vehicle flash briefly. When the unlocking button 
3 is press-
ed, 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. 62, 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. 62 1, is pressed once, the driver door is un-
locked, all others remain locked.
Press the button 
⇒ fig. 62
1 twice to unlock all doors.


103
Unlocking and locking
WARNING
● An improper use of the key can cause serious injuries.
● Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of
emergency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle or 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 com-
plicate the aid in case of emergency.
Note
● The remote control can be programmed by means of pressing the un-
locking 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 ⇒ fig. 63 (red
area).
● If the vehicle is unlocked using the 

1 button, it will lock again auto-
matically if any of the doors or the tailgate are not opened within 30 sec-
onds 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 103.
Changing the battery
If the battery indicator does not flash when the buttons are pushed, the bat-
tery 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 
⇒ fig. 62 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 ef-
fective 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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications