2012 Seat Altea XL light

89
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 assist 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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

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.

99
Unlocking and locking
Automatic speed dependent locking and unlocking system*
This is a safety system which prevent the access to the vehi-
cle from the outside when it is running (for example, when
stopped at a traffic light).
Locking
The doors and the tailgate are automatically locked when vehicle speed ex-
ceeds 15 km/h.
If the vehicle is stopped and one of the doors is opened, when the vehicle
moves off again and exceeds a speed of 15 km/h, the unlocked door(s) will
be locked once more.
Unlocking
The driver door automatically unlocks when the key is removed from the ig-
nition.
Each door can be unlocked and opened independently from the inside (for
example, when a passenger gets out of it). To do it, simply operate the lever
inside the door.
WARNING
The door handles must not be operated when the vehicle is running: the
door would open.

Locking system for involuntary unlocking*
It is an anti-theft system and prevents the unintentional un-
locking of the vehicle. If the vehicle is unlocked and any of the doors (including the tailgate) are
opened within 30 seconds, it gets re-locked automatically. This function prevents the vehicle from remaining unlocked if the unlock button is press-
ed by mistake.

Emergency unlocking system
If the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle is unlocked, ex-
cept for the luggage compartment. It is possible to lock the vehicle from in-
side with the central locking, after turning the ignition off and back on
again.
If the doors must be locked from the outside, see “Emergency locking of the
doors” 
Central lock button
The central lock button allows you to lock and unlock the ve-
hicle from the inside.
Fig. 59 Detailed view of
the centre console: cen-
tral locking button 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

100Unlocking and locking
Locking the vehicle
–Press the button 
⇒ .
Unlocking the doors
– Press button 
.
The central lock button is still operative when the ignition is switched off.
Except when the Safe security system is activated.
Please note the following if you lock your vehicle with the central lock but-
ton:
● Locking the doors and tailgate prevents access from the outside (for
safety reasons, e.g. when stopped at a traffic light).
● The driver door and/or front passenger door cannot be locked if any of
the vehicle doors (except the tailgate) are open. This avoids the user from
forgetting his key inside the vehicle.
● Repeated operation of the central locking will deactivate the central lock
button for 30 seconds. Once this time has passed, the button if operative
again.
● There is a danger of leaving the key inside the vehicle if the vehicle is
locked by the central locking button when the driver door is closed and any
of the rear doors open. On closing any of the rear doors, the vehicle locks
and the keys remain inside it.
● All doors can be locked separately from inside the vehicle. Do this by
pulling the door release lever once.
WARNING
● If the vehicle is locked, children and disabled people may be trapped
inside it.
● The central lock button is not operative in the following cases:
WARNING (Continued)
● When the vehicle is locked from the outside (with the remote control
or the key).
● While the ignition is not activated after unlocking the door lock cylin-
der with the key.
Note
● Vehicle locked, amber button .
● Vehicle unlocked, red button . 
Unlocking and locking - Manual personalisation
Activating selective unlocking
With the driver door open, turn the key to unlock for approx. 3 s
Deactivating selective unlocking
With the driver door open, turn the key to lock for approx. 3 s
The turn signal lamps flash to confirm activation or deactivation.
Activation of automatic locking
Press the lock button 
on the central locking button for 3 seconds.
Deactivation of automatic locking
Press the unlock button 
on the central locking button for 3 seconds.
The lock button lamp flashes to confirm activation or deactivation. 

108Unlocking and locking
Tailgate
Unlocking and locking
The operation of the tailgate opening system is electric. It is
activated by using the handle on the tailgate
Fig. 66 Tailgate: opening
from the outside
Fig. 67 Detail of the in-
side of the tailgate: hand
grip
Opening the tailgate
– Pull on the release lever and lift the tailgate ⇒ fig. 66. The tail-
gate will be automatically open.
Closing the tailgate
– Hold the tailgate by one of the two handles on the interior lining
and close it, pushing slightly.
The system may or may not operate depending on the situation of the vehi-
cle.
If the tailgate is locked then it cannot be opened, however if it is unlocked
then the opening system is operative and the tailgate may be opened.
To lock/unlock, press the button 
or the button
1 on the remote control
key.
A warning appears on the instrument panel if the tailgate is open or not
properly closed.* An acoustic warning is also given if the tailgate is open
when the vehicle is driven faster than 6 km/h*. 

109
Unlocking and locking
WARNING
● Always close the tailgate properly. Risk of accident or injury.
● The tailgate must not be opened when the reverse or rear fog lights
are lit. This may damage the tail lights
● Do not close the tailgate by pushing it down with your hand on the
rear window. The glass could smash. Risk of injury!
● Ensure the tailgate is locked after closing it. If not, it may open unex-
pectedly while driving.
● If the tailgate is not fully closed, open it with the handle and close it
again correctly. Do not try to close it by pressing on the surface of the
tailgate, as this may damage the surface.
● Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. A locked vehicle
can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures, depending on
the time of year, thus causing serious injuries/illness. It could even have
fatal consequences. Close and lock both the tailgate and all the other
doors when you are not using the vehicle.
● Closing the tailgate without observing and ensuring it is clear could
cause serious injury to you and to third parties. Make sure that no one is
in the path of the tailgate.
● Never drive with the tailgate open or half-closed, exhaust gases may
penetrate into the interior of the vehicle. Danger of poisoning!
● If you only open the tailgate, do not leave the key inside. The vehicle
will not be opened if the key is left inside.
 Emergency opening
This allows the vehicle to be opened if the central locking
does not operate (for example, if the battery is flat)
Fig. 68 Tailgate: emer-
gency open
There is a groove in the luggage compartment allowing access to
the emergency opening mechanism.
Opening the tailgate from inside the luggage compartment
– Insert the key in the groove and unlock the locking system, turn-
ing the key from right to left, as shown by the arrow ⇒ fig. 68.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

115
Lights and visibility
Lights and visibility
Lights Switching lights on and off 
Fig. 73 Detailed view of
the dash panel: lights,
fog lights and rear fog
light switch
Switching on the side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒ fig. 73 to position .
Switching on dipped beam headlights
– Turn the light switch to position .
Switching off the lights
– Turn the light switch to position 0. Switching on the fog lights*
–
Pull the switch out of position  or  to the first stop. The
symbol  in the light switch lights up.
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with front fog lights)
– Pull the switch out of position  or  to the second stop ⇒ 
.
A warning lamp lights up in the instrument panel.
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with no front fog lights)
– Pull the light switch from position  to the last stop. A warning
lamp lights up in the instrument panel.
WARNING
Never drive with just the side lights on. Risk of accident. The side lights
are not bright enough to illuminate the road ahead and to ensure that
other road users are able to see you. Always use your dipped beam head-
lights if it is dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
● The dipped beam headlights will only work with the ignition on. The side
lights come on automatically when the ignition is turned off.
● If the lights are left on after the key has been taken out of the ignition
lock, an acoustic warning will sound while the driver door remains open.
This is a reminder to switch the lights off.
● The rear fog light is so bright that it can dazzle drivers behind you. You
should use the rear fog light only when visibility is very poor. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

116Lights and visibility
● If you are towing a trailer equipped with a rear fog light on a vehicle with
a factory-fitted towing bracket, the rear fog light on the vehicle will automat-
ically be switched off.
● The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements.
● Depending on weather conditions (very cold or wet), the front and tail
lights and the turn signals may be temporarily misted. This has no influence
on the useful life of the lighting system. The lights will soon demist when
they are switched on. 
Automatic lighting*
Fig. 74 Automatic light-
ing
Activation
– Rotate the switch to the position “Auto”, this indication will
light up.
Deactivation
– Turn the light switch to 0. Automatic lighting
If automatic headlight control is switched on, dipped beam headlights are
automatically switched on by a photosensor if you drive into a tunnel, for
example.
The rain sensor switches on the dipped beam headlights when the wind-
screen wipers have been operating continuously for a few seconds and it
switches the lights off when the continuous or intermittent wipe is switched
off for some minutes
⇒ page 129.
When the automatic dipped light control is connected but the dipped lights
are off, the warning lamp  lights up on the light control ⇒ fig. 74. If the
automatic control switches on the dipped lights, the instrument and control
lighting is also switched on.
WARNING
● Even if the automatic headlight control is switched on, the dipped
headlights will not be switched on with fog. Therefore, the dipped beam
must be switched on manually.
Note
● For those vehicles with the automatic headlight system, when the key is
removed from the ignition, the acoustic signal will only sound if the light
control is in the position  or  if the vehicle is not fitted with the coming
home function.
● If the daylight driving automatic light function is switched on, the fog
lights or rear fog light cannot be switched on in addition.
● The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements.
● Do not put stickers on the windscreen in front of the sensor. This may
cause disruptions or faults in the automatic lighting system.
● To avoid damage to the tail lights, the lights mounted on the tailgate go
off when the tailgate is opened (depending on the country). 