2013 Seat Altea Freetrack ignition

128Lights and visibility
main beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the
headlights at regular intervals, for instance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
● To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer
spray.
● To remove water, the windscreen wipers will be activated from time to
time, the headlight washers will be activated every three cycles. 
Rear vision mirrors Interior rear vision mirror
It is dangerous to drive if you cannot see clearly through the
rear window.
Manual anti-dazzle function for interior rear vision mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at the bottom edge of the rear vision
mirror should be at the front. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-
dazzle function. Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on and
off as desired.
Fig. 87 Automatic anti-
dazzle interior rear vision
mirror.
Switching off the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 87. Control lamp B goes off.
Switching on the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 87. Control lamp is lit.
Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on.
The green warning lamp lights up in the rear vision mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the interior rear vision mirror will
darken automatically according to the amount of light it receives. The anti-
dazzle function is cancelled if reverse gear is engaged. 

135
Seats and storage
Heated seats* 
The front seat cushions and backrests can be heated electri-
cally.
Fig. 93 Thumb wheel for
the front seat heating
Fig. 94 Front seat heat-
ing with Climatronic Front seat heating for vehicles without Climatronic
–
Turn the appropriate thumb wheel ⇒ Fig. 93 to switch on the
seat heating. The seat heating is switched off in the 0 position.
Front seat heating for vehicles with Climatronic
– Press button A
to switch on the seat heating.
– Press once to set seat heating at maximum level (level 3).
– Press twice to set seat heating at medium level (level 2).
– Press three times to set seat heating at minimum level (level 1).
– When the button is pressed four times, the heating goes off and
the LED goes out (level 0).
The seat heating only works when the ignition is switched on. The left
thumb wheel controls the left seat and the right thumb wheel the right seat.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the heating elements, please do not kneel on the seat or
apply sharp pressure at a single point to the seat cushion and backrest. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

147
Seats and storage
Cigarette lighter*
Fig. 115 The cigarette
lighter is located in the
power socket on the front
of the centre console
– Press on the cigarette lighter ⇒ Fig. 115 to activate it ⇒ 
.
– Wait for the lighter to spring out.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glow-
ing coil.
WARNING
● Improper use of the cigarette lighter can lead to serious injuries or
start a fire.
● Using the lighter carefully. Carelessness or negligence when using
the cigarette lighter can cause burns and serious injuries.
● The lighter only works when the ignition is turned on or the engine is
running. To avoid the risk of fire, never leave children alone inside the ve-
hicle.
 Electrical sockets
Electrical equipment can be connected to any of the 12 volt
sockets.
Fig. 116 Power socket in
front centre console
Fig. 117 Power socket in
luggage compartment

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

148Seats and storage
Electrical accessories may be connected to the 12 volt power socket in the
front centre console ⇒ Fig. 116 and in the luggage compartment*
⇒  Fig. 117. The appliances connected to each power point must not exceed
a power rating of 120 Watt.
WARNING
The power sockets and the connected accessories will only operate when
the ignition is on or when the engine is running. Improper use of the
sockets or electrical accessories can lead to serious injuries or cause a
fire. To avoid the risk of injury, never leave children alone inside the vehi-
cle.
Note
● The use of electrical appliances with the engine switched off will cause a
battery discharge.
● Before using any electrical accessories, see the instructions in
⇒ page 217. Auxiliary audio connection (AUX-IN)*Fig. 118 Auxiliary audio
connection
– Lift the AUX cover ⇒ Fig. 118.
– Insert the plug as far as possible (see Radio manual). 

168Driving
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it backwards and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on when you no longer need wheel
spin.
WARNING
● Do not forget that the electronic stability control ESC cannot defy the
laws of physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and
wet roads and when towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESC in
⇒ page 187, Intelligent technology.
 Ignition lock
Position of the ignition keyFig. 136 Ignition key po-
sitions
Ignition switched off, steering lock 0
In this position
⇒ Fig. 136 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steer-
ing may get locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the steer-
ing wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle theft
⇒ 
.
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on 1
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the key cannot be
turned or it is difficult to turn from position 0 to position 1, move the
steering wheel from one side to the other until it is released. 

169
Driving
Starting 2
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Every time the vehicle is started again, the ignition key must be turned to
position 0
. The
repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
● The ignition key must NOT be removed from the lock until the vehicle
comes to a standstill. Otherwise, the steering could be immediately
blocked- Risk of accident!
● Always remove the key from the ignition when leaving the vehicle,
even for a short period. This is especially important if children or disa-
bled people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the
engine or work electrical equipment such as the electric windows, conse-
quently resulting in an accident.
● Unsupervised use of the keys could start the engine or any electrical
system, such as the electric window. This could result in serious injury.
CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key
position 2
). 
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons
from driving the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser au-
tomatically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The electronic immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as
you pull the key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with its correct
code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used. 
Starting and stopping the engine Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key
with its correct code. – Move the gearbox lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting ⇒ page 168 position.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the start-
er motor must not run on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the ac-
celerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

170Driving
If the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after 10 sec-
onds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, the
fuel pump fuse should be checked ⇒ page 258, Fuses.
WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also result in death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving
at full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and fol-
low the instructions in ⇒ page 271, Jump-starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle station-
ary. Start off immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions. Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key
with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ Fig. 136 1
. The warning
lamp  will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition key to position 2
to
start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the start-
er motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see the ⇒ page 271.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major
electrical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp ⇒ page 81 goes
out.
Starting the diesel engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling. This is because
the fuel system must eliminate air first. 

171
Driving
WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also result in death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving
at full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and fol-
low the instructions in ⇒ page 271, Jump-starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle station-
ary. You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the en-
gine reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions. 
Switching off the engine
– Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ Fig. 136 0
.
After switching the engine off, the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 mi-
nutes. It is also possible that the fan turns itself on once more if the coolant temperature increases due to the heat accumulated in the engine compart-
ment or due to its prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the engine is running. With the en-
gine switched off, more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake op-
eration cannot be performed, risk of accidents and serious injury may ex-
ist.
● The steering lock can be immediately blocked once the key is re-
moved from the ignition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.
CAUTION
When the engine has been running under a heavy load for a long period,
heat can accumulate in the engine compartment and cause engine damage.
For this reason, you should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you
switch it off. 
Start-Stop function* Description and operation
The Start-Stop function stops the engine when the vehicle is stop-
ped and starts it automatically when required.
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it in neutral and release the
clutch pedal. The engine will stop.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed, the engine starts again. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications