2013 Seat Altea Freetrack stop start

237
Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time,
as the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
● If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from freezing. If it freezes it will be damaged. 
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. – Open the engine bonnet and the battery cover ⇒ 
in Safety in-
structions on working in the engine compartment on page 222
⇒ 
in Warnings on handling the battery on page 236.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the
battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently
until they disperse.
The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒ page 281.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery.
There are two different colours: ●
Black: correct charge status.
● Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a speci-
alised workshop. 
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.
If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long peri-
ods, the battery should be checked by a specialised workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle,
the battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have
the vehicle battery checked by a Technical Service where it will be re-charg-
ed or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety
specifications of your vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

243
Wheels and tyres
Run-flat tyres
Run-flat tyres allow you to continue driving even with a
punctured tyre, in the majority of cases.
In vehicles that are factory-fitted with run-flat tyres 1)
the loss of tyre
pressure is indicated on the instrument panel.
Driving with run-flat tyres (emergency running)
– Leave the ESC/ASR on (Electronic Stability Control), or switch it
on ⇒  page 189.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h (50 mph) maxi-
mum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Pay attention if the ESC/ASR activates often, if smoke comes
from the tyres or there is a smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrates
or there are clattering noises. If any of these occur, stop the ve-
hicle.
The run-flat tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description:
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air they are
supported on the sides (emergency driving).
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can
then drive a maximum of 80 km (50 miles) and if the circumstances are fa-
vourable (for example, low load), even more. The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should
be checked in a specialised workshop to detect possible damage and re-
place it if necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more
than one tyre is being used under emergency conditions, this reduces the
distance which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this means
that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions
⇒ 
.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
● smoke is coming from one of the tyres,
● there is a smell of rubber,
● the vehicle vibrates,
● there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving even using run-flat tyres?
● If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a
tyre has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be
thrown off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.
● It is also advisable to stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the
wheel starts overheating and gives off smoke. 
1)
Depending upon version and country.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

271
If and when
Sun visor light
Fig. 194 Removing sun
visor light
Fig. 195 Removing sun
visor light
– Carefully remove the lamp, using the flat side of the screwdriv-
er, as shown in the figure ⇒ Fig. 195. –
Remove the bulb, moving it in the direction of the arrow and
outwards ⇒ Fig. 195. 
Jump-starting
Jump leads
The jump lead must have a sufficient wire cross section. If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can
be connected to the battery of another vehicle to start the engine.
Jump leads
Jump leads must comply with standard DIN 72553 (see cable manufactur-
er's instructions). The wire cross section must be at least 25 mm 2
for petrol
engines and at least 35 mm 2
for diesel engines.
Note
● The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow
as soon as the positive terminals are connected.
● The discharged battery must be properly connected to the on-board net-
work. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

272If and when
How to jump start: description
Fig. 196 Diagram of con-
nections for vehicles
without Start-Stop sys-
tem
Fig. 197 Diagram of con-
nections for vehicles
with Start-Stop system
Jump lead terminal connections
1. Switch off the ignition of both vehicles ⇒ 
.
2. For vehicles without Start-Stop system :–
Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive +
termi-
nal of the vehicle with the flat battery A ⇒ Fig. 196.
– Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive ter-
minal +
in the vehicle providing assistance B.
– Connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative terminal
–
of the vehicle providing assistance B ⇒ Fig. 196.
– Connect the other end of the black jump lead X
to a solid met-
al component bolted to the engine block or to the engine block
itself of the vehicle with the flat battery. However, connect it to
a point as far as possible from the battery A
.
3. For vehicles with Start-Stop system :
– Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive +
termi-
nal of the vehicle with the flat battery A ⇒ Fig. 197.
– Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive ter-
minal +
in the vehicle providing assistance B.
– Connect one end of the black jump lead X
to a suitable ground
terminal, a solid piece of metal in the engine block, or to the en-
gine block ⇒ Fig. 197.
– Connect the other end of the black jump lead X
to a solid met-
al component bolted to the engine block or to the engine block
itself of the vehicle with the flat battery. However, connect it to
a point as far as possible from the battery A
.
4. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine compartment. 

273
If and when
Starting
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the boosting battery and let it run at idling speed.
6. Start the engine of the vehicle with the flat battery and wait two or three minutes until the engine is “running”.
Removing the jump leads
7. Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights (if they are switched on).
8. Turn on the heater blower and heated rear window in the vehi- cle with the flat battery. This helps minimise voltage peaks
which are generated when the leads are disconnected.
9. When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse or- der to the details given above.
Connect the battery clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with
the battery terminals.
If the engine fails to start, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and
try again after about half a minute.
WARNING
● Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the engine
compartment ⇒ page 222, Working in the engine compartment.
● The battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the
flat battery (12V) and approximately the same capacity (see imprint on
battery). Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
WARNING (Continued)
● Never use jump leads when one of the batteries is frozen. Danger of
explosion! Even after the battery has thawed, battery acid could leak and
cause chemical burns. If a battery freezes, it should be replaced.
● Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes away from batteries, dan-
ger of explosion. Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
● Observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the jump
leads.
● Do not connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to
the negative terminal of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the battery
could be ignited by sparks. Danger of explosion.
● Do not attach the negative cable from the other vehicle to parts of the
fuel system or to the brake line.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. The jump lead attached to the positive battery terminal must not
touch metal parts of the vehicle, this can cause a short circuit.
● Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact
with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not lean on the batteries. This could result in chemical burns.
Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as
soon as the positive terminals are connected. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

275
If and when
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
the tow rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of
overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
As the brake servo does not work if the engine is not running, you must ap-
ply considerably more pressure to the brake pedal than you normally would.
As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running,
you will need more strength to steer than you normally would.
● The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
● The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
● Put the selector lever into position “N”.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
● Do not tow further than 50 km.
● If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.
Note
● Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
● Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe
any regulations to the contrary.
● For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
● If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gear-
box, you must raise the driven wheels while the vehicle is being towed.
● If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km (30 miles), the front
wheels should be raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by
a qualified person. ●
The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power.
The vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should
be carried out by a qualified person.
● The towline anchorage should always be kept in the vehicle. Please refer
to the notes on ⇒ page 274, Tow-starting. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

284Technical specifications
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) DPF with/without Start-Stop
Engine specifications
Power output in kW (PS) rpm 77 (105)/ 4400
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 250/ 1500 - 2500
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4/ 1598
Fuel Min, diesel acc. to DIN EN 590 51 CN
Performance
Maximum speed in km/h (mph) 177
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h (0-50 mph) in sec. 8,3
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in sec. 12,6
Weights
Gross vehicle weight in kg 2049
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1505
Gross front axle weight in kg 1045
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1035
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer weight
Trailer without brakes in kg 740
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1500
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 1400


Safety instructionsCoolant temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Safety notes Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Deactivating front passenger airbag . . . . . . 45
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Using seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Safety system - Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131, 134, 136
Seat belt cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Seat belt control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belt position Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Seat belt protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Seat belt release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Incorrectly fastened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Not worn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Seat belt tensioner control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Seat upholstery
Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
cleaning Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Cleaning and maintenance of natural leath-er . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
cleaning the trim fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
synthetic leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Selective opening* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Selector lever locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
servotronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Sitting position driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sitting position, occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sliding/tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particu- late filter *
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Start-Stop Activating and deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Starting petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169, 170 Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169, 170
After the fuel tank has been run dry . . . . . 170
Steam jets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Steering lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Steering wheel audio controls Audio version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Audio + telephone version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Steering wheel height adjustment . . . . . . . . . 166
Storage compartment Centre armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Front passenger side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Other storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 141
Storage in the luggage compartment . . . . . . . 140
Stowage area Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Sun visor Sliding/tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Switch Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Switches electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
T Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
295
Index