2012 Seat Altea instrument panel

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.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

88Cockpit
Cruise speed (Cruise control)* 
The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system
is switched on.
The warning lamp  lights up when the cruise control system is switched
on. For further information on the cruise control system, see ⇒ page 190.
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. 50
m. 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 196. 
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.

90Cockpit
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.

92Steering wheel controls
Audio system
Steering wheel audio version controls
Fig. 53 Controls on the
steering wheelFig. 54 Steering wheel
controls (depending on
version of model)
ButtonRadioCD/MP3/USB*/iPod*AUX ⇒  table on page 93AVolume upVolume upVolume upBVolume downVolume downVolume down
CSearch for next stationNext track
Hold down: Fast forwardNo function specified
DSearch for last stationPrevious track
Hold down: RewindNo function specified
ENo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specifiedFSilencePauseSilence
Ga)Operates on instrument panel displayOperates on instrument panel displayOperates on instrument panel displayNext preset b)Next trackb)No function specified b)
Ha)Operates on instrument panel displayOperates on instrument panel displayOperates on instrument panel displayPrevious presetb)Previous trackb)No function specified b)


93
Steering wheel controls
Ia)Next presetChange folderNo function specifiedChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panel
Ja)Previous presetChange folderNo function specifiedChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panelKOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panel
La)Change sourceChange sourceChange sourceOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panela)
Depending on the model version
b) Only if the panel is in Audio menu. 
Steering wheel Audio + Telephone version controls
Fig. 55 Controls on the
steering wheelFig. 56 Steering wheel
controls (depending on
version of model)
ButtonRadioCD/MP3/USB*/iPod*AUXTELEPHONEAVolume upVolume upVolume upVolume upBVolume downVolume downVolume downVolume down 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

94Steering wheel controls
CSearch for next stationNext track
Hold down: Fast forwardNo function specifiedNo function specified
DSearch for last stationPrevious track
Hold down: RewindNo function specifiedNo function specified
EAccess telephone menu on instrument panelAccess telephone menu on instru-ment panelAccess telephone menu on in-strument panel
Make call
Accept incoming call End call
Hold down: reject incoming call
FEnable voice recognitionEnable voice recognitionEnable voice recognitionActivate voice control/
Interrupt current message/ Deactivate voice control
GNext preset a)Next tracka)No function specified
Previous option in the menu/
list/
selection shown on instru- ment panel b)
HPrevious preset a)Previous tracka)No function specified
Next option in the menu/
list/
selection shown on instru- ment panel b)
IChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument
panelChange menu on instrumentpanel
JChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrumentpanelChange menu on instrumentpanel
KOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panelConfirmLOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panelBack to last-opened menua)Only if the panel is in Audio menu.
b) Only if the instrument panel is in the “TELEPHONE” menu. Examples of use: Agenda, List of calls, Select numbers, Select letters, Main menu. 

96Steering wheel controls
ENo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specified
Accept incoming call
(press briefly)
Reject incoming call
(press and hold down)
End ongoing call /estab- lish call (press briefly)
Switch to private mode (press and hold down)
Redial last number (press and hold down) a)
F
Activation of voice recogni-
tion for mobile phone con-
nected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recognition
for mobile phone connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recog-nition for mobile phone
connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recog-nition for mobile phone
connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recog-nition for mobile phone
connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTE
GNext preset b)Next trackb)No function specifiedOperates on instrument
panelOperates on instrumentpanel / No function specified
HPrevious preset b)Previous trackb)No function specifiedOperates on instrument
panelOperates on instrumentpanel / No function specified
IChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrumentpanelChange menu on instru-ment panelNo function specifiedChange menu on instru- ment panel
JChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrumentpanelChange menu on instru-ment panelNo function specifiedChange menu on instru- ment panel
KOperates on instrument pan- elOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrumentpanel / No function specified
LOperates on instrument pan- elOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrumentpanel / No function specified
a)For a more detailed description of how to use this button, please refer to the Radio navigation System User Handbook (SEAT Media System 2.1)
b) Only if the panel is in Audio menu. 