2012 Seat Altea Freetrack bulb

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

77
Cockpit
ItemSymbolMeaning of warning and indicator
lampsFurther infor-mation
1Fuel level / reserve⇒ page 79
2Coolant level / coolant temperature⇒ page 80
3Rear fog light switched on⇒ page 80
4 Turn signals in operation⇒ page 80
5Engine fault (petrol engine)⇒ page 81
Glow plug system for diesel engine⇒ page 81
6Main beam switched on⇒ page 81
7Soot accumulation in the diesel engine
particulate filter⇒ page 81
8ABS system fault⇒ page 82
9Windscreen washer fluid level⇒ page 82
10Alternator fault⇒ page 83
11Fasten seat belts!⇒ page 19
12Brake pad worn⇒ page 83
13Tyre pressure⇒ page 83
14Airbag or belt tensioner system fault or
airbag disabled⇒ page 29
⇒ page 32
ItemSymbolMeaning of warning and indicator
lampsFurther infor-mation
15Bulb defective⇒ page 84
16Brake fluid required or
brake system fault⇒ page 84
17
Red:
Engine oil pressure
⇒ page 85Yellow:
If flashing: engine oil sensor faulty
If it remains lit: insufficient engine oil
18Handbrake on⇒ page 180
19Cruise speed activated (Cruise control)⇒ page 85
20Door open indicator⇒ page 86
21If it stays lit: ASR (TCS) deactivated⇒ page 87
⇒ page 87
⇒ page 167
22Electromechanical steering⇒ page 86
23Fault in the emission control system⇒ page 86
24If flashing: the Electronic Stability Con-
trol ESC (ESP) or the ASR (TCS) is work-
ing
If it remains lit: ESC (ESP) or ASR (TCS)
faulty⇒ page 87
⇒ page 87
⇒ page 167

25Selector lever lock (automatic gearbox)⇒ page 88 
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.

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 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

118Lights and visibility
Dynamic cornering lights* (AFS)
The dynamic cornering lights only operate if the vehicle is travelling at more
than 10 km/h and the dipped headlights are on. When taking a bend, the
road is illuminated better with directional gas discharge bulbs than with
conventional fixed headlights.
A fault in the system is indicated via the flashing of the control lamp  on
the instrument panel. At the same time, a text message with information or
instructions to perform necessary operations may appear on the instrument
panel display. Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and have the fault
repaired.
If the control bulb  lights up on the instrument panel but all the bulbs are
operating correctly, there may still be a fault in the dynamic curve lighting
system (AFS). Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and have the fault
repaired.
WARNING
If the “automatic dipped beam control” is switched on, the dipped beam
headlights will not be switched on in fog. They should be switched on
manually using the light switch. The driver is personally responsible for
the correct use of lights in all situations. “Automatic headlight control”
is merely a system to support the driver. Where necessary, switch on the
lights manually using the light switch.
 Hazard warning lights

The hazard warning lights are used to draw the attention of
other road users to your vehicle in emergencies.
Fig. 75 Dash panel:
switch for hazard warning
lights
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒ 
.
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear. On an automatic, move the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle. 

120Lights and visibility
Signalling a lane change
–Push the lever up 1
or down 2 to the point where you incur
resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash.
Switching main beam on and off
– If the dipped lights are on, push the lever forward ⇒ fig. 76 3
to switch on the main beam.
– Push the lever towards the steering wheel ⇒ fig. 76 4
to switch
off the main beam.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel 4
to operate the
flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn the right or left-hand parking
lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
● The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp  or  flashes in the instrument panel. The warn-
ing lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is
correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is de-
fective, the warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal
bulbs are damaged, warning lamp  does not light up. Change the bulb.
● The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The warning lamp  then comes on in the instru-
ment panel.
● The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever – even if
no other lights are switched on. The warning lamp  then comes on in the
instrument panel.
● When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the tail light
on the corresponding side of the vehicle light up. The parking lights will on-
ly work if the key is removed from the ignition. If the lights are switched on,
an acoustic signal will be emitted while the driver door is open.
● If the turn signal lever is left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, an acoustic signal sounds when the driver door is opened.
This is a reminder to switch off the turn signal, unless of course you wish to
leave the parking light on. 

233
Checking and refilling levels
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the bat-
tery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as
the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:
● Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid
and particles containing lead.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralise any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
● Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When han-
dling cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electro-
static charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can
cause injury.
● A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.
● Keep children away from acid and batteries.
● Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all consumers. The negative cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only
switch off the light.
WARNING (Continued)
● Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
● When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.
● Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never re-
verse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
● Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0 °C.
● Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
● Never use a defective battery. This could cause an explosion. Replace
a damaged battery immediately.
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time,
as the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
● If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from freezing. If it freezes it will be damaged. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

259
If and when
NumberConsumerAmps
29 a)Electric windows (front and back)50Electric windows (front)3030Ignition key50a)
Ampere rating according to motorisation 
Bulb change General notes
Before changing any bulb, first turn off the failed component.
Do not touch the bulb glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a re-
duction in the bulb life and condensation on the mirror surface, thus reduc-
ing efficiency.
A bulb should only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is inscri-
bed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
It is highly recommended to keep a box of spare bulbs in the vehicle. At the
very least, the following spare bulbs, which are essential for road safety,
should be kept in the vehicle. Main headlights
- H7
- H1
- W5W - PY21W
Xenon 1)
/adaptive headlights
- D1S2)
- P21W SLL
- W5W - PY21W
Fog lights - H3
Fixed tail light - P21W3)
- P21W
Mobile tailgate light - P21W- P21W
- W5W 
Dipped beam
Main beam
Position
Turn signal
Dipped and full beam
Daylight
Position
Turn signals
Fog lights
Stop/Position
Turn signal
Fog light (driver side)
Reverse (passenger side)
Position
1)
On this type of headlight, the bulb changes must be made by the SEAT dealer, given that
complex elements must be removed from the vehicle and a reset must be made on the
automatic control system incorporated.
2) The Xenon bulbs discharge 2.5 times the light flux and have an average lifespan of 5 times
more than that of halogen bulbs, this means that, except due to unusual circumstances,
there is no need to change the bulbs for the whole life of the vehicle.
3) Electronically controlled single filament bulb for Stop/side bulbs. If the bulb blows it will
not work in either position or Stop.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications