2013 Seat Altea service

61
Cockpit
Digital instrument panel display
Display (without warning or information texts)
The display in the instrument panel shows, amongst other
things, the mileage and trip recorder as well as the selector
lever position.
Fig. 38 Detailed view of
the instrument panel:
screen with different in-
dicators
Digital clock display ⇒ page 59. On the right of the display: Selector
lever position display for the automatic gearbox*. The current position
of the selector lever or the gear which is engaged (for tiptronic)* is
highlighted.
Outside temperature.
Odometer or flexible service interval display*. 
1
23
Displayed categories*
The display on the instrument panel shows the mileage and
trip recorder as well as the selector lever position.
Fig. 39 Digital instru-
ment panel display
Clock: “Setting the time”. On the right of the display: Selector lever po-
sition display for the automatic gearbox*. The current position of the
selector lever or the gear which is engaged (for Tiptronic) is highligh-
ted.
There are optional and automatic displays in this field.
Optional indicators: e.g. those on the multifunction display (MFI)
Automatic indicators: Information and warning messages.
Menus providing further information and which can be used to make di-
verse settings are also shown: “Instrument panel menus”
Outside temperature.
Odometer or flexible service interval display. 
1
2
–
–
–
3
4
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

62Cockpit
Recommended gear display*
This display helps to save fuel.
Fig. 40 Gear display
Use the gear display to save fuel. If you are driving in the correct gear, a dot
will be shown next to the gear display. If you are not in the correct gear, an
arrow will appear next to the gear display indicating whether you should
change up or down.
Note
The gear change indication should not be taken into account the accelera-
tion is required (for example when overtaking). 
Odometer or flexible service interval display
Odometer
The left-hand counter in the display registers the total amount of distance
covered by the vehicle. The right-hand counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates
steps of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by holding
down the reset button for a few seconds.
Service interval display
Vehicles with
Service intervals dependent on time/distance travelled al-
ready have certain service intervals set. The intervals are calculated individ-
ually in vehicles with LongLife service.
The service interval display only indicates the dates of services that include
engine oil change. The dates of all other services, such as Inspection Serv-
ice or brake fluid change, appear in the sticker on the door pillar or in the
Maintenance Programme.
A Service pre-warning will appear in the odometer if a service is due soon. A
“spanner” symbol appears and the display “km” with the distance that can
be driven until the next service appointment is due. The display will change
after approximately 10 seconds. A “clock symbol” appears and the number
of days until the service appointment should be carried out. The following
message is shown in the instrument panel display*: Service in
[XXXX]
kmor
[XXXX]
days
The service message will disappear approximately 20 seconds after the ig-
nition is switched on or the engine is running. The normal display can be
resumed by briefly pressing the reset button on the trip counter or by press-
ing the OK
button on the steering wheel controls.
With the ignition on, you can check the current service message at any mo-
ment in the Vehicle status menu or turning the reset button to access the
service display.
An overdue service is indicated by a minus sign in front of the mileage or
day information. 

63
Cockpit
Indications for vehicles with LongLife service
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing re-
quirements. With the LongLife System, SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an interval service when it is necessary. The length of the Interval Serv-
ices (max. two years) is determined by factors such as conditions under
which the vehicle is used and personal driving style.
The service pre-warning will first appear 20 days before the date on which
the service is due. The distance travelled is rounded off to the nearest
100 km (miles) and the time to full days. The current service message can
only be consulted 500 km (300 miles) after the last service. Until that time,
only dashes are displayed.
Note
● If you reset the display manually, the next service interval will be indica-
ted after 15 000 km (10 000 miles) or one year and will not be calculated
individually.
● Do not reset the display between service intervals as the display will
otherwise be incorrect.
● In LongLife Service vehicles, if the battery is disconnected for a long pe-
riod, the days remaining until the next service cannot be calculated. There-
fore, the service message displays on the instrument panel may be incor-
rect. Take into account the maximum authorised service intervals. Multifunction display (MFI)*
The multifunction display (MFI) shows you information on
the journey and fuel consumption.
Fig. 41 Rocker buttons A
and B. Steering wheel
controls.
Fig. 42 Digital instru-
ment panel display

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74Cockpit
Displayed on the
screenFunction
Multifunction display
data.This menu is used to establish the data in the mul-
tifunction display menu to be displayed on the in-
strument panel ⇒ page 71
ConvenienceThis menu allows you to make the settings for the
convenience functions in the vehicle.
Lights and visibilityFrom this menu it is it possible to alter the vehicle
lighting settings.
TimeThe hours and minutes of the clock and the naviga-
tion system can be changed. Choose between 12
and 24-hour format and change to summer time.
Winter tyresThe menu allows the setting of a speed at which an
optical and acoustic warning will be given by the
system. You can use this function, for example, if
you have fitted winter tyres which are not suited for
the top speed of your vehicle. Please see the sec-
tion “Wheels and tyres”.
LanguageThe display texts and the navigation system texts
can be seen in different languages.
UnitsThis option allows you to select the units for dis-
playing temperature, fuel consumption values and
distances.
sel. speedThe instrument panel also displays the speed in
another different unit of measurement (mph or km/
h) to that given on the speedometer.
Inter ServiceConsult service messages and reset service interval
display here.
Factory settingsThe manufacturer's predefined values for the func-
tions of this menu are restored.
Backa)This returns to the main menua)
Only if the windscreen wiper lever is used (MFI).
Note
● For electronic and vehicle equipment one or more of these menus will be
displayed.
● SEAT dealerships are able to programme other functions or change the
existing functions depending upon the vehicle equipment.
● The Configuration menu is only accessible when the vehicle is at a
standstill. 
Convenience menu
From this menu it is it possible to alter the vehicle conven-
ience settings.
Open menu Convenience
– Choose the option Configuration from the main menu and press
the button OK

A ⇒ Fig. 45 on the windscreen wiper lever.
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ Fig. 46 until the Configuration menu is displayed.
– Choose the option Convenience from the main menu and press
the button A
on the windscreen wiper lever.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 68 

81
Cockpit
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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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 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.

103
Opening and closing
This function is independent of the vehicle electronic opening and
locking systems. It only affects rear doors. It can only be activated
and deactivated manually, as described below:
Activating the childproof lock
– Unlock the vehicle and open the door in which you wish to acti-
vate the childproof lock.
– With the door open, rotate the groove in the door using the igni-
tion key, clockwise for the left hand side doors, and anticlock-
wise for the right hand side doors ⇒ Fig. 61 ⇒ Fig. 62.
Deactivating the childproof lock
– Unlock the vehicle and open the door whose childproof lock you
want to deactivate.
– With the door open, rotate the groove in the door using the igni-
tion key, clockwise for the right hand side doors, and anticlock-
wise for the left hand side doors ⇒ Fig. 61 ⇒ Fig. 62.
Once the childproof lock is activated, the door can only be opened from the
outside. The childproof lock can be activated and deactivated by inserting
the key in the groove when the door is open, as described above. Keys
Set of keys
The set of keys includes a remote control, a key without a re-
mote control and a plastic key tab*.
Fig. 63 Set of keys
The set of keys belonging to your vehicle consists of the following items:
● one remote control key
⇒ Fig. 63 A
with folding key bit,
● one key without remote control B,
● a plastic key tab* C.
Duplicate keys
If you need a replacement key, go to a Technical Service with your vehicle
identification number. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

106Opening and closing
WARNING
● An improper use of the key can cause serious injuries.
● Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of
emergency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle or manage on their
own.
● Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. Otherwise, this could result
in serious injuries, accidents or even the theft of your vehicle. Always
take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
● An uncontrolled use of the key could start the engine or activate any
electric equipment (e.g. electric windows), causing risk of accident. The
vehicle can be locked when using the remote control key. This could com-
plicate the aid in case of emergency.
Note
● The radio frequency remote control can be programmed by means of
pressing the unlocking button once; as a result, only the driver door will un-
lock. When the button is pressed once more, all doors and the rear lid will
be unlocked.
● The radio frequency remote control functions only when you are in range
⇒ Fig. 65 (red area).
● If the vehicle is unlocked using the 

1 button, it will lock again auto-
matically if any of the doors or the rear lid are not opened within 30 sec-
onds after unlocking it. This function prevents the vehicle from remaining
unlocked if the unlock button is pressed by mistake.
● If the vehicle cannot be opened and closed using the radio frequency re-
mote control, the remote control key will have to be re-synchronised
⇒ page 106. Changing the battery
If the battery indicator does not flash when the buttons are pushed, the bat-
tery must be replaced.
CAUTION
The use of inappropriate batteries may damage the radio frequency remote
control. For this reason, always replace the dead battery with another of the
same size and power.
For the sake of the environment
Used batteries must be disposed of at an appropriate waste facility or
through an authorised service, given that their components can affect the
environment. 
Synchronising the remote control key
If it is not possible to unlock or lock the door with the remote
control, it should be re-synchronised.
– Press the 
⇒ Fig. 64 button on the remote control.
– Then close the vehicle using the key bit within one minute.
It is possible that the vehicle could no longer be opened and closed with
the remote control if the button 
is repeatedly pressed outside of the ef-
fective range of the radio frequency remote control. The remote control key
will have to be resynchronised.
Spare remote control keys are available in your Technical Service, where
they must be matched to the locking system.
Up to four remote control keys can be used. 