2012 Seat Altea XL turn signal

8Safe driving
passengers are sitting in a correct position and use this equipment proper-
ly.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so impor-
tant, how it protects you, what you have to consider when using it and how
you and your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the
safety equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you
and your passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business! 
Before setting off
The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers
and the safe operation of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals are working
properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the
surroundings.
– Make sure all luggage is secured ⇒ page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly according
to your size. –
Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the
head restraints in the in-use position ⇒ page 14.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to
their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly ap-
plied seat belts ⇒ page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers al-
so to assume a proper sitting position. ⇒  page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to
fasten their seat belts properly. ⇒ page 19. 
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style
and the personal behaviour of all occupants. As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any cir-
cumstance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road
⇒ 
, for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not get distracted by pas-
sengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medi-
cation, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits. 

32Airbag system
Warning lamp for airbag and seat belt tensioner 
This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt ten-
sioner system.
The warning lamp monitors all airbags and seat belt tensioners in the vehi-
cle, including control units and wiring connections.
Monitoring of airbag and belt tensioner system
Both the airbag and belt tensioner systems operation is constantly moni-
tored electronically. Each time the ignition is switched on, the warning lamp
 lights for several seconds and the display in the instrument panel*
shows AIRBAG / TENSIONER .
The system must be checked when the warning lamp  :
● does not light up when the ignition is switched on,
● after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,
● turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,
● lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. In
addition, depending on the malfunction, a fault message appears in the
display of the instrument panel for approx. 10 seconds and a short acoustic
signal is given. In this event, you should have a specialised workshop check
the system immediately.
If any of the airbags are de-activated by the Authorised Service Centre, the
indicator lights for several seconds more after the verification and will turn
off if there is no fault.WARNING
● If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tensioner system cannot
properly perform its protective function.
● If a malfunction occurred, have the system checked immediately by a
specialised workshop. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the airbag
system and belt tensioners may not be triggered, or may not be triggered
correctly.

Repairs, maintenance and disposal of airbags
The parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehi-
cle. If work is carried out on the airbag system or parts have to be removed
and fitted on the system when performing other repair work, parts of the air-
bag system may be damaged. In the event of an accident this could cause
the airbag to inflate incorrectly or not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the airbag are scrapped. Specialised workshops and vehicle
disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
● If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are
used incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries is increased. The air-
bags may fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.
● Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the sur-
face of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dash panel, and do
not obstruct or modify them in any way.
● It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units. 

55
Cockpit
Operating Instructions Cockpit
Overview Overview of the dash panel
This overview will help you to familiarise yourself with the
controls and displays. Door release lever
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Lighting control for instrument and control lighting . . . . . . . . .119
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Air vent
Turn signal and main beam lever and cruise control system* 122, 190
Controls on the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Instrument panel:
– Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
– Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
– Indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Horn (works only when the ignition is on)/ Driver front airbag . .30
Windscreen wiper and washer lever and operation of the
multifunction display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127, 63
Left seat heating button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
1
2345678
910
11
Controls for
–
Heating* and ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
– Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
– Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Radio/Navigator*
Right seat heating button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Warning lamp for deactivated front passenger airbag . . . . . . .44
Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Glove compartment lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Cup holder compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Controls on the centre console:
– Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
– ESC (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
– Tyre pressure monitoring
– Park Pilot* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
– Cigarette lighter / Power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
– Exterior mirror adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
– Start-Stop* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Hazard warning light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Pedals
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Steering column control lever* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
12
1314151617181920
2122232425
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

76Cockpit
Lights and visibility menu
From this menu it is it possible to alter the vehicle lighting
settings.
Open Lights and visibility Menu
– Select the option Configuration from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK

A ⇒ page 68 on the windscreen
wiper lever. or
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ fig. 46 until the Configuration menu is displayed.
– Select the option Lights & visibil. from the menu and press but-
ton A
on the windscreen wiper lever.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 68
Displayed on the
screenFunction
Coming Home/
Leaving HomeThis option permits the adjustment of the time
during which the headlamps remain lit after the
vehicle is locked, as well as connecting and dis-
connecting this function.
Indicator conf.The convenience turn signal function can be acti-
vated or deactivated here. With the convenience
mode activated, the turn signal will blink at least
three times when turned on.
Factory settingsThe manufacturer's predefined values for the func-
tions of this menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the Configuration menu.
Note
For electronic and vehicle equipment one or more of these menus will be
displayed. 

78Cockpit
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 

82Cockpit
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.

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

86Cockpit
● The temporary spare wheel is fitted.
● The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or after changing one or more
wheels, the button ⇒  fig. 52 must be kept pressed while the ignition is on
until an acoustic signal is heard and the warning lamp goes out.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre moni-
tor system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure warning lamp  lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is much lower than the value set
by the driver, the tyre control warning lamp lights up ⇒ 
.
The tyre pressure warning lamp  flashes
If the tyre pressure warning lamp flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the
nearest specialist workshop.
WARNING
● When the tyre pressure warning lamp lights up, reduce speed imme-
diately and avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible,
and check the tyre pressure and status.
● The driver is responsible for maintaining correct tyre pressures. For
this reason, tyre pressure must be regularly checked.
● Under certain circumstances (for example, when driving in a sports-
like manner, in winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre warning lamp
may light up or function incorrectly.
Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow warning lamp  lights up after
turning the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey. 
Bulb defect 
The warning lamp lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's ex-
terior lighting is defective.
The warning lamp  lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exterior lighting
(e.g. left-hand main beam) is defective.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: LEFT FULL BEAM
FAULTY. 
Brake system* 
This warning lamp lights up if the brake fluid level is too low
or if there is a fault in the system.
This warning lamp  lights up if
● the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 243.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: BRAKE SYSTEM
FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.