2012 Seat Altea XL Light switch

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TelephoneThis menu is only available in vehicles with radio
unit if the vehicle is fitted with the telephone func-
tion. In vehicles fitted with a radio navigation sys-
tem, this menu is available in the central unit (navi-
gator) ⇒ Booklet SEAT Media System 2.1.
Vehicle conditionThis menu displays current warning or information
texts: “Vehicle status menu”
This option flashes when one of these texts is dis-
played.
ConfigurationThis option allows the time, the speed warning when
using winter tyres, units, language, independent
heating, the Light and visibility menu and the Con-
venience menu to be reset.
a)
Only in vehicles fitted with a radio navigation system.
Note
For electronic and vehicle equipment one or more of these menus will be
displayed. Multifunction display menu (MFI)
The multifunction display (MFI) shows you information on
the journey and fuel consumption.
Fig. 49 Multifunction
display (MFI) instrument
panel display.
The multifunction display (MFI) has two automatic memories: 1 - Trip memo-
ry and 2 - Total memory . The selected memory is shown on the upper right
hand section of the display ⇒ fig. 49 at all times.
Open the multifunction display menu Select the Multifunction display menu from the main menu ⇒ page 70
and press the OK
button on the windscreen wiper lever or the multi-
function lever*.
Selecting a memory To change from one memory to another, briefly press button A
⇒ fig. 45 ⇒ page 68 on the windscreen wiper lever or the OK button on
the multifunction lever ⇒  fig. 46 ⇒ page 68 while the ignition is switch-
ed on. 
–
–
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Fuel range in km
The fuel range is calculated using the figures for tank content and current
fuel consumption. It shows how far the vehicle can travel using the same
conditions as a reference.
Distance travelled in km The display shows the distance travelled since the ignition was switched on.
The maximum display value in both memories is 1999 km. The memory will
automatically be deleted once this value has been reached.
Average speed in km/h
The average speed will be shown after a distance of approximately 100 me-
tres has been travelled. Until then dashes will appear in the display. The
display will be updated every five seconds while the vehicle is in motion.
Alternative speed display (mph or km/h)
The speed is also displayed in a second unit of measurement other than
that used on the speedometer.
● Select the menu Configuration using the rocker switch on the windscreen
wiper lever or the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel* ⇒ page 68.
● Select the option Auxiliary speed and press OK
on the windscreen wiper
lever or the multifunction steering wheel*.
Digital display of speed
The instrument panel display gives the speed in digital format 1)
.
Speed warning at --- km/h This function may help you to keep within the speed limits. Press the OK
button on the windscreen wiper lever
A or the multifunction steering
wheel* to select the current speed. The instrument panel display gives the
selected speed, for example, Speed warning 120 km/h. You have five sec-
onds to reset the speed between 30 km/h and 250 km/h using rocker switch
B
or buttons  or  on the multifunction steering wheel*. Press
the OK button or wait five seconds until the speed is stored and the warn-
ing is activated. If the set speed is exceeded, an acoustic signal is heard
and a warning message is displayed until the speed is reduced to at least 4
km/h below the stored speed. The function is switched off by pressing the OK
button again. Speed warning --- km/h is now displayed on the instru-
ment panel.
Outside temperature display
The measurement margin ranges from -40 °C (-40 °F) to +50 °C (+125 °F). At
outside temperatures below +4 °C (+39.2 °F), the snowflake symbol (ice
danger warning) appears in addition to the outside temperature display.
This symbol flashes for a few seconds and remains lit until the outside tem-
perature rises above +6 °C (+42.8 °F).
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
● There are different instrument panels; therefore the multifunction dis-
play may vary.
● When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tem-
perature displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside tempera-
ture as a result of the heat radiated from the engine.
● Vehicles with a multifunction steering wheel* do not have buttons on
the windscreen wiper lever. The multifunction display can only be controlled
from the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel*. 
1)
It is not possible to see whether the alternative speed display is activated.
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ItemSymbolMeaning of warning and indicator
lampsFurther infor-mation
1Fuel level / reserve⇒ page 81
2Coolant level / coolant temperature⇒ page 82
3Rear fog light switched on⇒ page 82
4 Turn signals in operation⇒ page 83
5Engine fault (petrol engine)⇒ page 83
Glow plug system for diesel engine⇒ page 83
6Main beam switched on⇒ page 83
7Soot accumulation in the diesel engine
particulate filter⇒ page 83
8ABS system fault⇒ page 84
9Windscreen washer fluid level⇒ page 84
10Alternator fault⇒ page 85
11Fasten seat belts!⇒ page 19
12Brake pad worn⇒ page 85
13Tyre pressure⇒ page 85
14Airbag or belt tensioner system fault or
airbag disabled⇒ page 29
⇒ page 32
ItemSymbolMeaning of warning and indicator
lampsFurther infor-mation
15Bulb defective⇒ page 86
16Brake fluid required or
brake system fault⇒ page 86
17
Red:
Engine oil pressure
⇒ page 87Yellow:
If flashing: engine oil sensor faulty
If it remains lit: insufficient engine oil
18Handbrake on⇒ page 185
19Cruise speed activated (Cruise control)⇒ page 87
20Door open indicator⇒ page 88
21If it stays lit: ASR (TCS) deactivated⇒ page 89
⇒ page 89
⇒ page 170
22Electromechanical steering⇒ page 88
23Fault in the emission control system⇒ page 88
24If flashing: the Electronic Stability Con-
trol ESC (ESP) or the ASR (TCS) is work-
ing
If it remains lit: ESC (ESP) or ASR (TCS)
faulty⇒ page 89
⇒ page 89
⇒ page 170

25Selector lever lock (automatic gearbox)⇒ page 90 

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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 230.
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. Overview of indicator and warning lamps (vehicles with
LPG)
The warning lamps indicate a number of different functions
and possible faults.
Fig. 51 Instrument panel indicator and warning lamps in vehicles with LPG.
ItemSymbolMeaning of warning and indicator
lampsFurther infor-mation
1Red: Coolant level / coolant tempera-
ture⇒ page 82
2Blue: Cold engine warning⇒ page 82
3LPG system connected⇒ page 175 
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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 230.
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.

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Information messages displayed on the screen*
Message a)Description
SERVICEThe service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to an au-
thorised service.
IMMOBILIS-
ERImmobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take
the vehicle to an authorised service.
ERRORInstrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to an authorised
service.
CLEAN AIRFILTERWarning: The air filter must be cleaned.
NO KEYWarning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.KEY BATTERYWarning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCHWarning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual
gearbox and Start/Stop system.
--> P/NWarning: Place the selector level in P/N to start. Only in ve-
hicles with automatic gearbox.
--> PWarning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the
engine.
STARTINGWarning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop system
activated.
START MAN- UALLYWarning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop
system activated.
ERROR
START STOPWarning: Start-Stop system error.
START STOP
IMPOSSIBLEWarning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on, the
engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the neces-
sary conditions are met
START STOP ACTIVEWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Vehicle in Stop mode.
SWITCH OFFWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Switch off the ignition
when you leave the vehicle.
STOP TRANS-MISSIONTOO HOTWarning: Stop the engine. Gearbox overheated.
BRAKEWarning: To start the engine, press the brake pedal. Only in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
COASTING FUNCTIONWarning: Coasting mode active. Transmission engaged. On-
ly in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
CHECK SAFE- LOCKNotification of central locking function activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehicle model. 
Fuel level / reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is under
the reserve level.
It lights up when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. You will also hear a
warning signal. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel tank as soon as possible
⇒ page 223.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: PLEASE REFUEL! .
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
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Coolant level* / temperature  (red)
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too
high or if the coolant level is too low.
There is a fault if:
● The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
● The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, and
three acoustic warning signals ⇒ 
are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant tempera-
ture is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: CHECK COOLANT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL. ⇒  page 237.
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial. Stop the vehicle,
switch the engine off and wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunc-
tion of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if
necessary ⇒ page 266.
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance,
stop the vehicle and switch the engine off . Contact an Authorised Service
Centre or a specialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: STOP CHECK COOL-
ANT INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● If your vehicle is immobilised for technical reasons, move it to a safe
distance from traffic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights on and
place the warning triangle.
● Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escap-
ing from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before carrying out any
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Always note the corresponding warnings ⇒ page 230.

Coolant temperature  (blue)
This lamp lights up when the coolant is below approximately 45 °C. When it
exceeds this temperature the lamp turns off. 
Rear fog light 
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on . For
further information see ⇒ page 115. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

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Turn signals  
The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are in op-
eration.
Depending on which turn signal is operating, either the left  or right 
turn signal lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash at the same time
when the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both turn signals fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice
faster than normal.
For further information on the turn signals, please see ⇒ page 122. 
Engine management* 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management sys-
tem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp  (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. Glow plug system / engine fault

The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp  is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When
the warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp  flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked. 
Main beam headlights 
This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.
The warning lamp  is switched on once main beams are on or once the
headlight flasher is operating.
For further information see ⇒ page 122. 
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter *

If the warning lamp  lights up you should help the filter clean itself by
driving in the appropriate manner. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications