2012 Seat Altea warning lights

185
Driving
Handbrake Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehi-
cle from accidentally rolling away.
Fig. 148 Handbrake be-
tween the front seats
Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ fig. 148.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the di-
rection of the arrow ⇒ fig. 148 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ⇒ 
. Always apply the handbrake
as far as it will go in order to prevent you from
driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning turns off when the handbrake is
released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following mes-
sage* will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. You will
also hear an acoustic warning signal.
WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied
to the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
● If it is only partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating,
which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an
accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected. 
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

194Intelligent technology
Practical Tips
Intelligent technology
Brakes Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It
works only when the engine is running .
If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle
has to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder
to make up for the lack of servo assistance.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.
● Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do
so could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased consid-
erably when the brake servo is not active.
● If the brake servo is not working, for example when the vehicle is be-
ing towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder
than normal.
 Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
The Hydraulic Brake Assist function (HBA) is only included in
vehicles with ESC (ESP).
In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force.
This results in unnecessarily long braking distances.
This is when the brake assist system comes into action. When pressing the
brake pedal rapidly, the assistant interprets it as an emergency. It then very
quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be activated
more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system
switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.
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. 

196Intelligent technology
The ASR (TCS) is connected automatically when the engine starts. If neces-
sary, it may be turned on or off by briefly pushing the button on the centre
console.
When the ASR (TCS) is disconnected, the warning lamp  OFF
lights up. The
TCS should normally be left on. Only in exceptional circumstances, when the
slipping of the wheels is required, it will be necessary to have it disconnec-
ted, for example.
● With compact temporary spare wheel.
● When using the snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
● When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by rocking.
The TCS should be switched on again as soon as possible.
WARNING
● Remember that the ASR (TCS) cannot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ASR (TCS)
tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
CAUTION
● To ensure that the ASR (TCS) functions correctly, all four wheels must be
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, run-
ning gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect
the efficiency of the ABS and ASR (TCS). XDS*
Driveshaft differential
When taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel
that is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque delivered to the
inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the
outer wheel is receiving a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This
causes an overall loss of lateral grip on the front axle, resulting in under-
steer or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
By using the ESC (ESP) sensors and signals, the XDS system is able to de-
tect and correct this effect.
Through the ESC (ESP), the XDS brakes the inner wheel, thereby counteract-
ing the excess drive torque in this wheel. This means that the driver's de-
sired trajectory is much more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESC (ESP) and is always
active, even when the traction control ASR (TCS) is disconnected.

Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP) *
General notes
The Electronic Stability Control increases the vehicle's stabil-
ity on the road. The Electronic Stability Control helps reduce the danger of skidding.
The Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP) includes the ABS, EDL, ASR (TCS)
and Steering manoeuvre recommendations. 

197
Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP) *
The ESC (ESP) reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels indi-
vidually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESC
(ESP) compensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Steering manoeuvre recommendations
This is a complementary safety function included in the ESC (ESP). This
function aids the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation.
For example, in case of sudden braking surface with varied adherence, the
vehicle will tend to destabilise its trajectory to the right or to the left. In this
case the ESC (ESP) recognises the situation and helps the driver with a
counter steering manoeuvre from the power steering.
This function simply provides the driver with a recommended manoeuvre in
critical situations.
The vehicle does not steer itself with this function, the driver has full control
of the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
● Remember that ESC (ESP) cannot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESC (ESP)
tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
CAUTION
● To ensure that the ESC (ESP) functions correctly, all four wheels must be
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, run-
ning gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect
the efficiency of the ABS, EDL, ESC (ESP) and ASR (TCS). 
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking
⇒ page 195. 
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.
EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in
slippery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossi-
ble.
The system will control the revolutions of the drive wheels using the ABS
sensors (in case of an EDL fault the warning lamp for ABS lights up)
⇒ page 84.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differen-
ces in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by a
slippery road surface on one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the oth-
er driven wheel via the differential. 
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239
Checking and refilling levels
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades Topping up washer fluid 
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be
mixed with washer fluid.
Fig. 166 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
The windscreen washer and the headlight washers are supplied with fluid
from the windscreen washer fluid container in the engine compartment.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We rec-
ommend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid. Ap-
proved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must
be carried out cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 230.
CAUTION
● Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.
● Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per in-
structions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes in
the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

256If and when
How to use the temporary spare wheel
Should you ever have a punctured tyre, the temporary spare wheel is only
intended for temporary use until you can reach a workshop. The standard-
size road wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
Please note the following restrictions when using the temporary spare
wheel. This spare wheel has been specially designed for your vehicle, thus,
it cannot be changed with the spare wheel from another vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on the
compact temporary spare wheel rim.
Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the compact tem-
porary spare wheel.
If you have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow chains,
fit the compact temporary spare in place of one of the rear wheels. You can
then attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and use this
wheel to replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
● The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possi-
ble. The emergency tyre pressure for dimensions 125/70R16 125/70R18
135/90R16 is 4.2 bar; for all other tyre dimensions please refer to the la-
bel on the fuel cap. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. Higher speeds can cause an acci-
dent.
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering. Risk of ac-
cident.
● Never use two or more compact spare tyres at the same time, risk of
accident.
● No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.
 Tyre repair kit*
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a spare wheel)
is stored under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.
Your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System (tyre repair kit).
The tyre repair kit consists of a container with sealing compound to repair
the puncture and a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The
kit will reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the
penetration of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
● Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not possi-
ble with the sealing compound. 
Wheel change Preparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away
from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Apply the handbrake firmly. 

257
If and when
– Engage the first gear , or put the selector lever to position P for
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Take the vehicle tools and the spare wheel out of the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in posi-
tion. This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
CAUTION
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so. 
Changing a wheel
Change the wheel as described below
– Remove the wheel cover . Also refer to ⇒ fig. 175
– Slacken the wheel bolts .
– Raise the vehicle with the jack at the corresponding area
– Remove the wheel and put on the spare one –
Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly with the box spanner
– Replace the hub cap. 
After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel there are still tasks to complete. – Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the luggage compart-
ment and secure it.
– Check the tyre pressure of the newly fitted tyre as soon as pos-
sible.
– Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon
as possible with a torque wrench. The prescribed torque must
be 120 Nm.
Note
● If you notice that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing a wheel, they must be replaced before having the wheel bolt tor-
que checked.
● For safety reasons, drive at moderate speeds until the wheel bolt tight-
ening torque has been checked. 
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263
If and when
Preparation work
Certain steps must be taken before repairing a tyre.
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away
from the flow of traffic as possible.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage first gear , or put the selector lever to position P.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Check whether a repair is possible using the Tyre Mobility Sys-
tem “General information and safety notes.”
– Unscrew inflation cap from the affected wheel.
– Take the tyre repair kit out of the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in posi-
tion. This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
CAUTION
Take special care if you have to repair a tyre on a slope.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so. Tyre repair
The following sections describe the procedures for repairing
a tyre.
Using the sealing compound
– The instructions on the container give detailed information on
how to use the sealing compound.
Inflating the tyre.
– Remove the air compressor and hose from the container.
– Screw the retaining nut onto the valve.
– Plug the compressor cable into a 12 volt power point.
– Turn on compressor and monitor the pressure shown on the
pressure gauge.
Completing the repair
– Remove the compressor hose from the valve.
– Fit the valve cap.
– Unplug the compressor from the socket.
– Return all tools to their proper storing location.
Note
● If the vehicle is equipped with tyre pressure control, enter the new tyre
pressures using the SET button on the centre console.
● The compressor should never be allowed to run for longer than 6 mi-
nutes. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications