2013 Seat Altea Freetrack engine coolant

Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Instructions to follow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Ball coupling of towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 205
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 231
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Vehicle tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . 248
Wheel change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Tyre repair kit (Tyre Mobility System)* . . . . . . . . . 255
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Technical Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . 277
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Petrol engine 2.0 155 kW (211 PS) Front-
wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Petrol engine 2.0 155 kW (211 PS) All-
wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) DPF
with/without Start-Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) DPF
All-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 125 kW (170 PS) DPF
All-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
4Table of Contents

57
Cockpit
Instruments Instrument overview
The instruments display the vehicle operating status.
Fig. 34 Detailed view of the dash panel: instrument
panel
Detailed view of the dash panel: instrument panel Fuel gauge ⇒ page 58
Multifunction display
Engine coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 58
Rev counter ⇒ page 59
Time adjustment button / trip recorder reset button ⇒ page 59
Speedometer 
1
23456
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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 audible warning will sound reminding the driver to
refuel. At this point there are still 7 litres of fuel in the tank.
The following message 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.
Needle in warning zone C
The warning lamp* ⇒ Fig. 49 2 will light up if the needle is in the warning
zone. The following warning message appears on the instrument panel dis-
play 1)
. Stop the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the coolant level
⇒ page 229 ⇒ 
. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

59
Cockpit
Even if the coolant level is correct do not continue driving. You should ob-
tain technical assistance.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 222.
CAUTION
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant.
At high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating. 
Rev counter
The rev counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per
minute. The start of the red zone ⇒ Fig. 34 4
indicates the maximum engine speed
operating at service temperature. However, it is advisable to change up into
a higher gear, move the selector lever to D or lift your foot off the accelerator
before the needle reaches the red zone.
CAUTION
To prevent possible engine malfunctions, the rev counter needle should not
reach the red zone. The start of the red zone on the dial is different for some
engine versions.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up into higher gears sooner, following the recommended gear in-
dications ⇒ Fig. 39 will help you to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and
also engine noise. Speedometer
The speedometer is equipped with a digital odometer and a trip recorder, in
addition to a service intervals display.
During the running-in period, the instructions shown on
⇒ page 195
should be followed. 
Setting the digital clock*
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.
– Turn the setting knob ⇒ Fig. 34 5
clockwise until the first
“click” to set the hour. The hour will flash. To change the hour,
press the button.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the second “click” to set the
minutes. The minutes will flash. To change the minutes, press
the button.
Note
On Highline versions, the time can also be configured on the Kombi menu. 
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Cockpit
more than 20 km/h (12 mph) (ice warning). This symbol will flash for about
10 seconds and remains lit until the outside temperature rises above +4 °C
(+39.2 °F) or +6 °C (+42.8 °F) if it was already lit.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake sym-
bol” is not shown. For this reason you should not rely exclusively on this
display - Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature
as a result of the heat radiated from the engine. 
Warning or information message in the display
Faults are shown in the display with control lamps and
warning/information reports.
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the ig-
nition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Functional faults are
indicated by symbols with warning or information messages in the display.
An audible warning is given in certain cases.
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning symbols (pri-
ority 2).
Information text
In addition to warning messages given on a fault, you will receive informa-
tion in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
Note
In the case of screens without warning or information messages, faults are
indicated exclusively by the control lamps. 
Warning messages, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings. This is a danger warning. Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will contin-
ue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warn-
ing message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
● Brake system symbol  with warning message STOP BRAKE FLUID IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
● Coolant symbol  with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol  with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL . 
Warning messages, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompa-
nied by one audible warning. The function should be checked as soon as
possible. 
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Cockpit
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther infor-
mation
1Fuel level / reserve⇒ page 79
2Coolant level / coolant temperature⇒ page 80
3Rear fog light switched on⇒ page 80
4 Turn signals in operation⇒ page 80
5Engine fault (petrol engine)⇒ page 81
Glow plug system (diesel engines)⇒ page 81
6Main beam switched on⇒ page 81
7Soot accumulation in the diesel engine
particulate filter⇒ page 81
8ABS system fault⇒ page 82
9Windscreen washer fluid level⇒ page 82
10Alternator fault⇒ page 83
11Fasten seat belts!⇒ page 19
12Brake pad worn⇒ page 83
13Tyre pressure⇒ page 83
14Airbag or belt tensioner system fault or
airbag disabled⇒ page 29
⇒ page 32
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther infor-
mation
15Bulb defective⇒ page 84
16Brake fluid required or
brake system fault⇒ page 84
17
Red:
Engine oil pressure
⇒ page 85Yellow:
If flashing: engine oil sensor faulty
If it remains lit: insufficient engine oil
18Handbrake on⇒ page 180
19Cruise speed activated (Cruise control)⇒ page 85
20Door open indicator⇒ page 86
21If it stays lit: ASR switched off⇒ page 87
⇒ page 87
⇒ page 167
22Electromechanical steering⇒ page 86
23Fault in the emission control system⇒ page 86
24If flashing: the Electronic Stability Con-
trol (ESC) is working or the ASR is work-
ing
If the following remain lit: ESC or ASR
faulty⇒ page 87
⇒ page 87
⇒ page 167

25Selector lever lock (automatic gearbox)⇒ page 88 
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78Cockpit
WARNING
● Failure to observe control lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
● The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to pre-
vent danger to third parties.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before you open the
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or
other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings ⇒ page 222.
Note
● The appropriate control lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information messages in the display.
● In vehicles with warning or information texts on the screen, the appro-
priate control lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information
message will also appear on the screen. 
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning sym-
bols (priority 2).
Warning messages, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings. This is a danger warning. Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary. If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will contin-
ue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warn-
ing message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
●
Brake system symbol  with the warning message STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
● Coolant symbol  with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol  with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning messages, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompa-
nied by one audible warning. Check the corresponding function as soon as
possible although the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. Af-
ter a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be
shown as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2 warning messages will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
messages have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages (yellow): 1)
● Fuel warning light with the information text PLEASE REFUEL.
● Windscreen washer fluid symbol  with the information text REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Top up the washer fluid level. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

80Cockpit
Coolant level*/temperature 
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 229.
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 258.
If the control lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance, stop
the vehicle and switch the engine off . Contact a Technical Service or a spe-
cialised 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 222.

Rear fog light 
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on . For
further information see ⇒ page 113. 
Turn signals  
The control lamp flashes when the turn signals are in opera-
tion.
Depending on which turn signal is operating, either the left  or right 
turn signal lamp flashes. Both control lamps will flash at the same time
when the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both turn signals fails, the warning lamp will start flashing twice
faster than normal. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.