2012 Seat Altea Freetrack warning lights

Table of Contents
Manual structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 10
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Storing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Operating Instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Digital instrument panel display . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Instrument panel menus* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Steering wheel controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Sliding/tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Seats and storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 131
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . . 131
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher . 149
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox* . 175
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Parking aid acoustic system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system) . . . . . . . . 183
Practical Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Intelligent technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-
ABS (ABS and ASR (TCS)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP) * . . . . . . . . 189
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 197
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
3
Table of Contents

8Safe driving
passengers are sitting in a correct position and use this equipment proper-
ly.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so impor-
tant, how it protects you, what you have to consider when using it and how
you and your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the
safety equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you
and your passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business! 
Before setting off
The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers
and the safe operation of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals are working
properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the
surroundings.
– Make sure all luggage is secured ⇒ page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly according
to your size. –
Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the
head restraints in the in-use position ⇒ page 14
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to
their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly ap-
plied seat belts ⇒ page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers al-
so to assume a proper sitting position. ⇒  page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to
fasten their seat belts properly. ⇒ page 19. 
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style
and the personal behaviour of all occupants. As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any cir-
cumstance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road
⇒ 
, for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not get distracted by pas-
sengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medi-
cation, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits. 

20Seat belts
After the ignition has been switched on, the warning lamp  on the instru-
ment panel lights up 1)
if the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt, and
an acoustic signal is heard if the vehicle is driven at more than 30 km/h.
The warning lamp*  is switched off if the driver seat belt is fastened while
the ignition is switched on. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

32Airbag system
Warning lamp for airbag and seat belt tensioner 
This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt ten-
sioner system.
The warning lamp monitors all airbags and seat belt tensioners in the vehi-
cle, including control units and wiring connections.
Monitoring of airbag and belt tensioner system
Both the airbag and belt tensioner systems operation is constantly moni-
tored electronically. Each time the ignition is switched on, the warning lamp
 lights for several seconds and the display in the instrument panel*
shows AIRBAG / TENSIONER .
The system must be checked when the warning lamp  :
● does not light up when the ignition is switched on,
● after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,
● turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,
● lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. In
addition, depending on the malfunction, a fault message appears in the
display of the instrument panel for approx. 10 seconds and a short acoustic
signal is given. In this event, you should have a specialised workshop check
the system immediately.
If any of the airbags are de-activated by the Authorised Service Centre, the
indicator lights for several seconds more after the verification and will turn
off if there is no fault.WARNING
● If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tensioner system cannot
properly perform its protective function.
● If a malfunction occurred, have the system checked immediately by a
specialised workshop. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the airbag
system and belt tensioners may not be triggered, or may not be triggered
correctly.

Repairs, maintenance and disposal of airbags
The parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehi-
cle. If work is carried out on the airbag system or parts have to be removed
and fitted on the system when performing other repair work, parts of the air-
bag system may be damaged. In the event of an accident this could cause
the airbag to inflate incorrectly or not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the airbag are scrapped. Specialised workshops and vehicle
disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
● If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are
used incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries is increased. The air-
bags may fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.
● Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the sur-
face of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dash panel, and do
not obstruct or modify them in any way.
● It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units. 

34Airbag system
Front airbags
Description of front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
Fig. 18 Driver airbag lo-
cated in steering wheel
Fig. 19 Front passenger
airbag located in dash
panel The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel
⇒ fig. 18 and
the airbag for the front passenger is located in the dash panel ⇒ fig. 19. Air-
bags are identified by the word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front
occupants additional protection for the head and chest in the event of a se-
vere frontal collision ⇒ page 37, Safety notes on the front airbag system.
In addition to their normal function of restraining the occupants, the seat
belts also hold the driver and front passenger in a position where the air-
bags can provide maximum protection in a frontal collision.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing
their seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly.
Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times, not only
because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your safety
⇒ page 19, Brief introduction.
The main parts of the front airbag system are:
● an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)
● the two front airbags (airbag with gas generator) for the driver and front
passenger,
● a warning lamp  on the instrument panel ⇒ page 32
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning
lamp will light up for a few seconds every time the ignition is switched on
(self-diagnosis).
There is a fault in the system if the warning lamp :
● does not light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ page 32
● after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,
● turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,
● lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving. 

65
Cockpit
This may be deactivated by pressing the button A
(Reset).
The speed may be altered using the rocker switch B
in steps of 5 km/h
within 5 seconds of the initial memory value.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake sym-
bol” is not shown. For this reason you should not rely exclusively on this
display - Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature
as a result of the heat radiated from the engine. 
Warning or information message in the display
Faults are shown in the display with warning lamps and
warning/information reports.
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the ig-
nition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Functional faults are
indicated by symbols with warning or information messages in the display.
An acoustic warning is given in certain cases.
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning symbols (pri-
ority 2)
Information text
In addition to warning messages given on a fault, you will receive informa-
tion in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
Note
In the case of screens without warning or information texts, faults are indi-
cated exclusively by the warning lamps. 
Warning reports, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings. This is a danger warning. Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will contin-
ue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warn-
ing message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
● Brake system symbol  with warning message STOP BRAKE FLUID IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
● Coolant symbol  with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol  with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL . 
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompa-
nied by one audible warning. The function should be checked as soon as
possible. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

73
Cockpit
Vehicle status menu
This menu shows warning or information texts
Open Vehicle Condition menu
– Select the option Vehicle status from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK
on the windscreen wiper lever
A⇒ fig. 46. or
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ fig. 45 until the Vehicle Status menu is displayed.
Priority 2 warning messages and information texts: “Information and warn-
ing messages on the screen” will automatically disappear from the screen
after a time and will be stored in the Vehicle status menu.
The warning and information texts may be viewed in this menu. If there is
no warning or information message, the option Vehicle status is not dis-
played. If there are several messages, each one is shown for a few seconds.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 67
Note
If there are no warning messages, this menu is not available. Configuration menu
This menu is used to make the settings for the vehicle func-
tions.
Open Configuration menu
– Select the option Configuration from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK

A ⇒ fig. 44 on the windscreen
wiper lever. or
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ fig. 45 until the Configuration menu is displayed.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 67
Displayed on the screenFunctionMultifunction display
data.This menu is used to establish the data in the
multifunction display menu to be displayed on
the instrument panel ⇒ page 70
ConvenienceThis menu allows you to make the settings for
the convenience functions in the vehicle.
Lights and visibilityFrom this menu it is it possible to alter the vehi-
cle lighting settings.
TimeThe hours and minutes of the clock and the navi-
gation system can be changed. Choose between
12 and 24-hour format and change to summer
time.
Winter tyresThe menu allows the setting of a speed at which
an optical and acoustic warning will be given by
the system. You can use this function, for exam-
ple, if you have fitted winter tyres which are not
suited for the top speed of your vehicle. Please
see the section “Wheels and tyres”. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

78Cockpit
WARNING
● Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
● The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to pre-
vent danger to third parties.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before you open the
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or
other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings ⇒ page 219.
Note
● The appropriate warning lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information messages in the display.
● In vehicles with warning or information texts on the screen, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information
message will also appear on the screen. 
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning sym-
bols (priority 2) Warning reports, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings. This is a danger warning. Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary. If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will contin-
ue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warn-
ing message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
●
Brake system symbol  with the warning message STOP BRAKE FLUID
SERVICE MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL .
● Coolant symbol  with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol  with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompa-
nied by one audible warning. Check the corresponding function as soon as
possible although the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. Af-
ter a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be
shown as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2 warning messages will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
messages have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages (yellow): 1)
● Fuel warning light with the information text PLEASE REFUEL.
● Windscreen washer fluid symbol  with the information text REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Top up the washer fluid level. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.