2012 Seat Altea XL technical specifications

83
Cockpit
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

85
Cockpit
The following message is shown on the instrument panel display* 1)
: REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . 
Alternator 
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
go out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest special-
ised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessa-
ry because this will drain the battery. 
Worn brake pads 
If the  symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for safety rea-
sons, the rear pads as well) inspected by a specialised workshop. Tyre pressure 
The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.
Fig. 52 Centre console:
tyre monitor system but-
ton
The tyre warning lamp 2)
compares wheel revolutions and with this informa-
tion, the diameter of each wheel using the ESC (ESP) sensors. If the diame-
ter of a wheel changes, the tyre warning lamp  lights up. The wheel diam-
eter changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● The tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
● The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving
with a trailer or on extreme slopes).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
2) Depending on the model version
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

87
Cockpit
This warning lamp can light up together with the ABS system warning lamp.
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 243, 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. 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 236 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. 
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.
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

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

91
Steering wheel controls
Steering wheel controls
General information
The steering wheel includes a multifunction module from where it is possi-
ble to control the audio, telephone and radio navigation functions, and the
automatic gearbox*, without needing to distract the driver.
There are two versions of the multifunction module:
● Audio version, to control the available audio functions from the steering
wheel.
● Audio + Telephone version, to control the available audio functions and
the telephone system from the steering wheel.
Both versions may be used to control the Audio system (Radio, Audio CD,
mp3 CD, iPod 1)
/USB 1)
/SD 1)
) and the Radio navigation system, in which
case they also control the Navigation system.
● Version for automatic gearbox* ⇒ page 183. 
1)
If fitted in the vehicle.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

93
Steering wheel controls
Ib)Next presetChange folderNo function specifiedChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panel
Jb)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
Lb)Change sourceChange sourceChange sourceOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panela)
Only if the panel is in Audio menu.
b) Depending on the model version 
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

95
Steering wheel controls
Radio navigation system Steering wheel Audio + Telephone controls
Fig. 57 Controls on the
steering wheelFig. 58 Steering wheel
controls (depending on
version of model)
ButtonRadioCD/MP3/USB*/iPod*AUXNAVIGATORTELEPHONEAVolume upVolume upVolume upVolume upVolume upBVolume downVolume downVolume downVolume downVolume down
CSearch for next stationNext track
Hold down: Fast forwardNo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specified
DSearch for last stationPrevious track
Hold down: RewindNo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specified 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

97
Unlocking and locking
Unlocking and locking
Central locking Basic functions
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock
all doors by just pushing the button.Description
Central locking can be activated by using any of the following options:
● the key, by inserting it into the driver door cylinder and rotating it man-
ually,
● the central lock button in the vehicle interior ⇒ page 99.
● the radio frequency remote control , using the buttons on the key,
⇒  page 104
Various functions are available to improve the vehicle safety: “Safe” locking system
Selective unlocking system*
Automatic speed-dependent locking and unlocking system*
Self-locking system to prevent involuntary unlocking
Emergency unlocking system
Unlocking the vehicle* Press button 
⇒ fig. 64 on remote control to unlock all the doors and
tailgate.
–
–
–
–
–
– Locking the vehicle*
Press button 
⇒ 
fig. 64 on the remote control to lock all doors and the
tailgate or turn the key in the door to lock all doors and the tailgate.
WARNING
● Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of
emergency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle or manage on their
own.
● 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.
● Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle. Misuse
of the keys, for example, by children, may result in serious damage and
accident.
–The engine may accidentally be started and be out of control.
– If the ignition is switched on, the electric equipment could be acti-
vated with risk of injury, for example, in the electric windows.
– The doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could
make the aid difficult in an emergency situation.
– Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer
the vehicle. 
–
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications