2012 Seat Altea XL fuel cap

Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Instructions to follow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Ball coupling of towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 212
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 239
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . . . . . . . 256
Wheel change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tyre repair kit (Tyre Mobility System)* . . . . . . . . . 263
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 Technical Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . 285
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Petrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Petrol engine 1.2 77 kW (105 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Petrol engine 1.8 118 kW (160 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 66 kW (90 PS) with/
without DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) with/
without DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) Start-
Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) . . . . . 299
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) 4-
wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
4Table of Contents

58Cockpit
Fuel gauge  and reserve indicator
Fig. 35 Instrument pan-
el: fuel gauge
Instrument panel: fuel gauge
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 55 litres.
When the needle reaches the reserve area ⇒ fig. 35 (arrow), the warning
lamp will light up and an acoustic signal will sound reminding the driver to
refuel. At this point there are still 7 litres of fuel in the tank.
The following text appears on the instrument panel display 1)
PLEASE REFUEL
[XXX]* Engine coolant temperature gauge

This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
Fig. 36 Instrument pan-
el: engine coolant tem-
perature gauge
Needle in cold zone A
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads
⇒ fig. 36.
Needle in normal zone B
In normal driving conditions, the needle should be in the middle section of
the scale. The temperature may also rise when the engine is working hard,
especially at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern as
long as the warning lamp does not light up and no warning message* ap-
pears on the instrument panel display.

1)
Depending on the model version

60Cockpit
LPG system*
LPG gauge
Fig. 37 Instrument pan-
el: gas gauge.
LPG system filler level display
The LPG tank ⇒ 
in the spare wheel well has a capacity of 39 litres at an
outside temperature of 15 °C ⇒ page 225, Refuelling with LPG.
The charge level can be checked on the analogue gas gauge located on the
instrument panel ⇒ fig. 37. When the level reaches reserve, a notification
text is displayed on the screen. Refill with LPG at the earliest opportunity.
If, while driving in LPG mode, a sudden warning signal is heard and the
warning LPG fault, contact workshop is displayed on the screen1)
, it means
that there is a fault in the LPG system. Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop to check the LPG system.
WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable substance. It may cause se-
vere burns and other injury.
● Due care must be taken to avoid any risk of fire or explosion.
● When parking the vehicle in a closed area (for example in a garage),
make sure that there is adequate ventilation, either natural or mechani-
cal, to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.
Note
● The values shown in the average fuel consumption and distance to emp-
ty indications on the multifunction display (MFI) 2)
on the instrument panel 1)
are approximate values only.
● Two different consumption values are given on the MFI, depending on
whether the vehicle is running in GAS or Petrol mode.
● Please check the fuel level on the fuel level gauge on the instrument
panel ⇒ page 58
● If frequent short journeys are made, especially when the outside tem-
perature is low, the vehicle will tend to run on petrol more often than on
LPG. Therefore, the petrol tank may empty before the LPG tank. 
1)
Depending on the model version
2) Optional equipment

203
Driving and the environment
WARNING (Continued)
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively used, they will overheat.
Before driving down a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of
transmission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.
● Never let the brakes “drag” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use, va-
pour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of
the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories
please observe the relevant instructions ⇒ page 221, Technical modifi-
cations.
● If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid unnecessa-
ry journeys.

Exhaust gas purification system Catalytic converter*
To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages
the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. –
For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine
oil ⇒ page 236, Topping up engine oil .
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
⇒ page 279.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp
will light up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒ page 77. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the en-
vironment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! There is a risk of
fire.
● Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
dry grass or flammable materials under the vehicle.
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.
CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry because the irregularity of the fuel
supply may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the
exhaust system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be
solved by changing to another brand of fuel. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

223
Checking and refilling levels
Checking and refilling levels Refuelling
The tank flap is released manually. The tank holds approxi-
mately 55 litres. For all-wheel drive vehicles, the tank ca-
pacity is approximately 60 litres.
Fig. 160 Tank flap open
Unscrewing the tank cap
– Lift the lid.
– Hold the cap firmly with one hand, then insert the key into the
lock and rotate 180° to the left.
– Unscrew the cap, turning it anti-clockwise. Closing the tank cap
–
Screw the tank cap to the right, until the point of feeling a
“click”.
– Turn the key in the lock, without releasing the cap, clockwise
through 180°.
– Remove the key and close the flap until it clicks into place. The
tank cap is secured with an anti-loss attachment
The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off as
soon as the tank is “full”. Never attempt to fill beyond this point, as this will
fill the expansion chamber. Fuel may leak out if ambient conditions are
warm.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on a sticker on the inside of
the fuel tank flap. Further notes on fuel can be found there. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

225
Checking and refilling levels
LPG system*
Refuelling with LPG
The LPG filler neck is behind the fuel cap, next to the petrol filler neck.
Fig. 161 Fuel tank open with LPG filler neck and adapt-
er.
Fig. 162 LPG tank in
spare wheel well Refuelling with LPG
–
Before refuelling, stop the engine and switch off the ignition.
– Open the tank flap.
– Before refuelling, please read the instructions on the pump.
– Unscrew the cap of the gas filler neck 1
.
– Screw the required adapter 2
on the gas filler neck 1.
– Refuel as indicated in the instructions on the pump.
– Unscrew the adapter 2
. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

226Checking and refilling levels
–Screw on the cap of the gas filler neck 1
.
– Close the tank flap.
When the hose is removed from the tank, a small amount of LPG may spill
out ⇒ 
.
The LPG tank ⇒ fig. 162 in the spare wheel well has a capacity of 39 litres. If
the outside temperatures are very low, it may not be possible to completely
fill the LPG tank.
Pump attachments
There are a variety of types of LPG pump, and the methods of use may vary.
Therefore, let the pump operator fill the tank when refuelling for the first
time or fill from another pump.
Noises when refuelling with LPG
When refuelling with LPG, noises may be heard. These noises are insignifi-
cant.
WARNING
Failure to refuel or handle LPG in the correct way could result in a fire,
cause an explosion or lead to injuries.
● LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable substance. It may cause
severe burns and other injury.
● Switch off the engine before refuelling.
● Always disconnect mobile phones and any other radiophony applian-
ces, as electromagnetic waves may produce sparks and cause a fire.
● Do not remain in the vehicle while refuelling. If it is absolutely neces-
sary to enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal surface before
touching the attachment again. This will prevent the generation of static
electricity and any possible fires while refuelling.
WARNING (Continued)
● Small quantities of LPG may leak out after refuelling. If LPG comes in-
to contact with skin, there is a risk of freezing.
● Do not smoke and always keep bare flames away from the tank during
refuelling. Failure to do so may lead to an explosion.


231
Checking and refilling levels
You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know ex-
actly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work car-
ried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs
and batteries, are under constant development. SEAT provides a constant
flow of information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifica-
tions. For this reason, we recommend you to have service fluids and con-
sumables replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the rel-
evant instructions ⇒ page 221. The engine compartment of the vehicle is a
hazardous area ⇒ 
.
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the
risk of accident or fire.
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the en-
gine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
● Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
● Apply the handbrake and move the gear lever to neutral or selector
lever to position P.
● Keep children away from the vehicle.
● Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.
● Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system.
This is a fire hazard.
● Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at
the points where the jump leads are attached ⇒ page 280. The battery
could explode.
WARNING (Continued)
● Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the
key removed from the ignition!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is
hot. If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
● Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning
cloths and tools, in the engine compartment.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of
injury.
● If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with
the engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk
from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan,
etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe
the following points:
–Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get trap-
ped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting
clothes.
– Never accelerate with a gear engaged without taking the necessary
precautions. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake is ap-
plied. Danger of death.
● If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical com-
ponents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the
above warnings:
–Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
– Do not smoke. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications