2012 Seat Altea lock

129
Lights and visibility
WARNING
● Worn and dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and safety levels while
driving.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the heating and ventilation sys-
tem. The washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and ob-
scure your view of the road.
● Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒ page 240.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. If you switch on the wipers
when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you could damage
both the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
● The windscreen wipers will only work when the ignition is switched on.
● In certain versions of vehicles with alarms, the windscreen wiper will on-
ly work when the ignition is on and the bonnet closed.
● When in use, the wipers do not go as far as the rest position. When the
lever is moved to position 0, they are totally hidden.
● The next speed down will automatically be selected if wiper speed 2
⇒ fig. 85 or 3 is selected when the vehicle stops. The set speed will be re-
sumed when the vehicle starts again
● The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds
once the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated, provided the
vehicle is in transit (drip function). If you activate the wipers less than three
seconds after the drip function, a new wash sequence will begin without the
last wipe. For the “drip” function to work again, you have to turn the ignition
off and then on again. ●
When the “intermittent wipe function” is on, the intervals are directly
proportional to the speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed the short-
er the intervals.
● The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the ob-
stacle and switch the wiper back on again.
● Before removing any objects that may be trapped in the side areas of
the windscreen, always move the wiper arms to the service position (hori-
zontal).
● The heat output of the heated jets is controlled automatically when the
ignition is switched on, depending upon the outside temperature. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

140Seats and storage compartments
Rear seats
Seat adjustment
Fig. 97 For unlocking
the rear seat
Fig. 98 Rear seat back-
rest angle adjustment The seats may be moved forwards or backwards independently.
The movement can be 1/3 or 2/3 of the seat. There are various
possible positions.
Adjusting reach
–
In the seated position, unlock the lever in the direction of the
arrow ⇒ fig. 97.
– Move the seat cushion forwards or backwards to the desired po-
sition.
Backrest angle adjustment
– Hold the backrest at the top. Pull the loop on the side of the
seat ⇒ fig. 98 1
in the direction of the arrow and hold the loop
in this position. Push the backrest to the required position and
release the loop.
WARNING
● Adjust the seat only when the vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, your
seat could move unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. This could in-
crease the risk of an accident and therefore, injury.
● Do not push the backrests down when the seat is moved, this is to
avoid damage to the centre console.
● Ensure that the seat, once moved, is fixed in position.
Note
● In order to maintain the maximum luggage compartment space, put the
backrests in position normal, without moving.
● In order to maintain the maximum space without putting the backrests
down, move the seats forward to the desired position. 

141
Seats and storage compartments
Folding the seat backrests down
Fig. 99 Folding or open-
ing the rear seat backr-
ests
– Pull the loop on the side of the seat ⇒ fig. 99 1
In this position the backrest is locked. This is the reason why the loop loca-
ted on the side of the seat must be pulled in the direction of the arrow to
open the backrest.
WARNING
● You should check that the backrest has engaged properly in position
after the loop is released.
● For safety reasons the locking system loops on the seats may not be
used to secure any items.
 Folding the rear seat backrests down
Fig. 100 Folding or
opening the front seat
backrests
– Pull the loop on the side of the seat ⇒ fig. 100 1
in the direc-
tion of the arrow and lift the seat backrest into position.
WARNING
● You should check that the backrest has engaged properly in position
after the loop is released.
● For safety reasons the locking system loops on the seats may not be
used to secure any items.
● After locking the seat backrest into position ensure that the seat
belts protrude from the seat.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

143
Seats and storage compartments
Storage compartment under the front seats*
There is a storage compartment with a cover under each
front seat.
Fig. 103 Storage com-
partment under the front
seats
The drawer* ⇒ fig. 103 A
is opened by pushing the button and putting the
cover back.
There are two open positions of 15 and 60 degrees depending on the pres-
sure applied to the cover. In the 60 degree position, the cover will collapse
if too much pressure is applied.
To close the drawer, press the cover until it locks into position.
WARNING
● The drawers will hold a maximum weight of 1.5 kg.
● Do not drive with the drawer cover open. There is an injury risk for
passengers if the cargo is released in case of sudden braking or an acci-
dent.
 Folding table*
Folding trays are fitted to the rear of the front seat backrests.
Fig. 104 Folding tray on
the front left seat
– To open the tray, open it up in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 104.
WARNING
● The folding trays may not be folded down whilst the vehicle is in mo-
tion and anyone is seated on the second row of seats. There is a risk on
injury during a sudden braking manoeuvre! The tray must therefore be
closed and properly secured whilst the vehicle is in motion.
● 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.
CAUTION
When driving, do not leave open cans in the cup holders. The drink might
be spilt on braking, for example, and could damage the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

160Air conditioning
Note
Please observe the general notes ⇒ page 167. 
Heating and cooling the interior
Fig. 127 On the dash panel: Climatic controls
Interior heating
– Turn the temperature selector ⇒ fig. 127 1
clockwise to select
the required temperature.
– Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4.
– Set the air distribution control to the air flow configuration de-
sired: 
(towards the windscreen),  (towards the chest), (towards the footwell) and  (towards the windscreen and
footwell areas). Interior cooling
–
Switch on the air conditioner using the button ⇒ fig. 126 AC
.
– Turn the temperature selector anti-clockwise until the desired
cooling output is reached.
– Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4.
– Use the air distribution regulator to guide the airflow in the re-
quired direction 
(to the windscreen),  (to the upper body),
 (to the footwell) and  (to the windscreen and to the foot-
well). 

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. 

171
Driving
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it backwards and forwards.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the ASR (TCS).
WARNING
● Do not forget that the Electronic Stability Control 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.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESC (ESP)
⇒ page 194, Intelligent technology.
 Ignition lock
Position of the ignition keyFig. 136 Ignition key po-
sitions
Ignition switched off, steering lock 0
In this position
⇒ fig. 136 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steer-
ing may get locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the steer-
ing wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle theft
⇒ 
.
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on 1
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the ignition key can-
not be turned or it is difficult to turn from position 0 to position 1, move
the steering wheel from one side to the other until it is released. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

172Driving
Starting 2
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Every time the vehicle is started again, the ignition key must be turned to
position 0
. The
repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
● The ignition key must NOT be removed from the lock until the vehicle
comes to a standstill. Otherwise, the steering could be immediately
blocked- Risk of accident!
● Always remove the key from the ignition when leaving the vehicle,
even for a short period. This is especially important if children or disa-
bled people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the
engine or work electrical equipment such as the electric windows, conse-
quently resulting in an accident.
● Unsupervised use of the keys could start the engine or any electrical
system, such as the electric window. This could result in serious injury.
CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key
position 2
). 
Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driv-
ing the vehicle.
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 ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with its correct
code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used. 
Starting and stopping the engine Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key
with its correct code. – Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position ⇒ page 171.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the start-
er motor must not run on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the ac-
celerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern. 