2013 Seat Altea Owner's Manual

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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 233.
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 messages on the screen, the ap-
propriate control lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information
message will also appear on the screen. Overview of control and warning lamps (vehicles with LPG)
The control lamps indicate a number of different functions
and possible faults.
Fig. 51 Instrument panel control and warning lamps in vehicles with LPG.
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther infor-
mation
1Red: Coolant level/coolant temperature⇒ page 82
2Blue: Cold engine warning⇒ page 82
3LPG system switched on⇒ page 175 
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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 233.
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 messages on the screen, the ap-
propriate 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.

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Information messages displayed on the screen*
Message a)Description
SERVICEThe service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to a Techni-
cal Service.
IMMOBILIS-
ERImmobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take
the vehicle to a Technical Service.
ERRORInstrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to a Technical Serv-
ice.
CLEAN AIRFILTERWarning: The air filter must be cleaned
NO KEYWarning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.KEY BATTERYWarning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCHWarning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual
gearbox and Start-Stop system.
--> P/NWarning: Place the selector level in position P/N to start.
Only in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
--> PWarning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the
engine.
STARTINGWarning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop system
activated.
START MAN- UALLYWarning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop
system activated.
ERROR
START-STOPWarning: Start-Stop system error.
START-STOP
IMPOSSIBLEWarning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on, the
engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the neces-
sary conditions are met
START-STOP ACTIVEWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Vehicle in Stop mode.
SWITCH OFFWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Switch off the ignition
when you leave the vehicle.
STOP TRANS-MISSIONTOO HOTWarning: Stop the engine. Gearbox overheated.
BRAKEWarning: To start the engine, press the brake pedal. Only in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
COASTING FUNCTIONWarning: Coasting mode active. Transmission engaged. On-
ly in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
CHECK SAFE- LOCKNotification of central locking function activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehicle model. 
Fuel level/reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is under
the reserve level.
It lights up when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. You will also hear
an audible warning. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel tank as soon as possi-
ble ⇒ page 226.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: PLEASE REFUEL! .
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
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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 240.
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 268.
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 233.

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 116. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

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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.
For further information on the turn signals, please see ⇒  page 123.
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 while the system operation is verified. 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 the diesel engine. It flashes if there is an engine
fault.
Control lamp  is lit
The control lamp  lights up while the glow plug system is preheating.
When the warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight
away.
Control lamp  flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible and have the engine checked. 
Main beam headlights 
This control 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 123. 
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter*

If the lamp  lights up you should help the filter clean itself by driving in
the appropriate manner. 
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To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth or fifth gear (automatic gear-
box: S gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h (40 mph), with the engine running
at approximately 2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is
burned. When cleaning is successful, the lamp turns off.
If the lamp  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (particulate filter
, emission control system fault  and glow plugs ), take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop to repair the fault.
WARNING
● Always drive according to the road weather conditions, the terrain
and traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal ma-
noeuvres in surrounding traffic.
● The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high temper-
atures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Otherwise there is a risk of fire.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)* 
A control lamp monitors the ABS.
The control lamp  should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automat-
ic test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The control lamp  does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
● The control lamp does not go out again after a few seconds
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way, without the ABS function.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further
information on the ABS go to ⇒ page 194. If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESC* control lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp
 , this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible
fault in the brake system ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 233, Working in the engine compartment.
● If the brake system warning lamp  should light up together with the
ABS warning lamp , stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake
fluid level in the reservoir ⇒ page 245, Brake fluid. If the brake fluid lev-
el has dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of acci-
dent. Obtain technical assistance.
● If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may
have been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the
rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to
break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assis-
tance.

Washer fluid* 
This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low. This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
⇒ page 242. 

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The following message is shown on the instrument panel display* 1)
: REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . 
Alternator 
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
go out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest special-
ised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessa-
ry because this will drain the battery. 
Worn brake pads 
If the  symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for safety rea-
sons, the rear pads as well) inspected by a specialised workshop. Tyre pressure 
The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.
Fig. 52 Centre console:
tyre monitor system but-
ton
The tyre control lamp 2)
compares wheel revolutions and with it, the wheel
diameter of each wheel using the ESC. If the diameter of a wheel changes,
the tyre control lamp  lights up. The wheel diameter changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● The tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
● The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving
with a trailer or on extreme slopes).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
2) Depending on the model version
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● 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 audible warning 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 control 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 control lamp  flashes
If the tyre pressure control lamp flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the
nearest specialised workshop.
WARNING
● When the tyre pressure control lamp lights up, reduce speed immedi-
ately 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 control 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. 
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 245.
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.
This warning lamp can light up together with the ABS system warning lamp. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.