2012 Seat Altea brake light

85
Cockpit
The following message is shown on the instrument panel display* 1)
: REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . 
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. 52 Centre console:
tyre monitor system but-
ton
The tyre warning lamp 2)
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 version of the model.
2) Depending on the model version
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

86Cockpit
● 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. 52 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. 
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 242.
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.
This warning lamp can light up together with the ABS system warning lamp. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

87
Cockpit
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 230.
● If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driv-
ing, the brake fluid level ⇒ page 242, Brake fluid in the reservoir is too
low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain techni-
cal assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp , the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause
the rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek tech-
nical assistance.

Handbrake 
This lamp lights up when the handbrake is applied. If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following mes-
sage will appear on the instrument panel display 1)
: HANDBRAKE ON. You will
also hear an acoustic warning signal ⇒ page 185. 
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. 
Engine oil pressure 
If this warning lamp is red it indicates that the engine oil
pressure is too low.
If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three audible
warnings, switch off the engine and check the oil level. If necessary, add
more oil ⇒ page 233.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: STOP ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct, do not drive on. The
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Checking the oil level 
If the warning lamp is yellow  the engine oil level should be checked as
soon as possible. Top up the oil ⇒ page 235 at the next opportunity.
Oil level sensor faulty* 
If the  yellow warning lamp flashes, take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop to have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to
check the oil level every time you refuel. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
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Cockpit
Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP) *  / 
There are two control lamps for the electronic stability con-
trol. The  lamp provides information concerning the func-
tion and the  provides information on the disconnection
status
Both lamps come on together when the ignition is switched on and should
go out after approx. 2 seconds, which is how long the function check lasts.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and ASR (TCS). This also includes
the brake assistance system (BAS), automatic cleaning of the brake discs
and the trailer stability programme (TSP).
The warning lamp  has the following functions:
● It flashes when the ASR (TCS)/ESC (ESP) is activated when driving.
● It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESC (ESP).
● The ESC (ESP) lamp will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS
because the ESC (ESP) operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp  lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
In this case the ESC (ESP) can be reactivated by switching the ignition off
and then on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is
fully functional.
The  lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
● It stays lit when the ASR (TCS) is disconnected after pressing the 
switch. Differential lock fault (EDL)*EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with
the Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP)*
A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp . Take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further informa-
tion on the EDL see ⇒ page 197, Electronic differential lock (EDL)*. 
Traction control system ASR (TCS)*  / 
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating
There are two warning lamps for the traction control system:  and . Both
lamps come on together when the ignition is switched on and should go out
after approx. 2 seconds, which is how long the function check lasts.
The  lamp has the following function:
● It flashes when the ASR (TCS) is activated while driving.
If the system is deactivated or if it has any fault, the warning lamp will re-
main lit. The ASR (TCS) lamp will also come on if a fault should occur in the
ABS because the ASR (TCS) operates in conjunction with the ABS. For fur-
ther information, see ⇒  page 194, Brakes
The  lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
● It stays lit when the ASR (TCS) is disconnected after pressing the OFF
switch.
By pressing again, the ASR (TCS) function is reactivated and the warning
lamp switched off. 
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Operating the foot brake 
The brake pedal must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This
is necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the
positions P or N. 
Electronic immobiliser* “Safe”
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.
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 igni-
tion lock.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: SAFE. The vehicle
cannot be used in that case ⇒ page 172.
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine
key is used.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

122Lights and visibility
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.
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. 

146Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
● Do not store loose objects on the dash panel. These objects could be
flung through the passenger compartment when the vehicle is moving
(e.g. while accelerating, braking or cornering) and distract the driver.
Risk of accident.
● Ensure that no objects can fall from the centre console or other stor-
age compartments into the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. In
the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to use the
brake, clutch or accelerator. Risk of accident.
● Clothing hung on the coat hooks must not restrict the driver's view.
Risk of accident. The coat hooks are intended only for use with light arti-
cles of clothing. Do not leave any hard, sharp or heavy objects in hanging
articles of clothing. During sudden braking manoeuvres or accidents, es-
pecially those involving airbag deployment, these objects could injure
the vehicle occupants.

Front drinks holders
Fig. 109 Front drink
holders In the centre console, in front of the gear lever, there are two drink holders
⇒ fig. 109.
WARNING
● Never place hot drinks in the drink holders. During normal or sudden
driving manoeuvres, sudden braking or an accident, the hot drink could
be spilled. Danger of scalding.
● Never use rigid materials (for example, glass or ceramic), these could
cause injury in the case of an accident.


170Driving
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. 134. 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. 135 Detailed view of
the centre console: ESC
(ESP) button
The Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP) includes the electronic differential
lock (EDL), the traction control system ASR (TCS), the brake assist system
(BAS) and the trailer stability programme (TSP). 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. 