2013 Seat Altea XL ECO mode

88Cockpit
Indicator for open doors or rear lid* 
This warning lamp lights up if one of the doors or the rear
lid is open.
The warning light  should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off ap-
prox. 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked. 
Electromechanical steering* 
For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends
on the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
The control lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out once the engine is started.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the en-
gine running. The warning light only goes off after a distance of approx. 50
m.
There is a fault in the electromechanical steering system if the lamp does
not go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. The warning lamp
may appear in two different colours to indicate faults. If it lights yellow, this
indicates a minor fault. If it lights red, seek assistance from a specialised
workshop immediately, as the steering assistance is not working; in this
case you should not keep driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assis-
tance. The power steering does not work if the battery is flat or if the engine
is off (for example, for towing). You should take into account that you will
need considerably more power than normal to steer the vehicle if the power
steering is not working correctly or at all. For those vehicles fitted with ESC*, the “Steering manoeuvre recommenda-
tion” function is included. See
⇒ page 196. 
Emission control system* 
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Control lamp  flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce
speed and drive carefully to the nearest specialised workshop to have the
engine checked.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: EXHAUST GAS SEE
WORKSHOP
Control lamp  is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest specialised workshop to have the engine checked.
The following message is shown in the instrument panel display: EXHAUST
GAS SEE WORKSHOP . 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

96Steering wheel controls
ENo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specified
Accept incoming call
(press briefly)
Reject incoming call
(press and hold down)
End ongoing call /estab- lish call (press briefly)
Switch to private mode (press and hold down)
Redial last number (press and hold down) a)
F
Activation of voice recogni-
tion for mobile phone con-
nected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recognition
for mobile phone connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recog-nition for mobile phone
connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recog-nition for mobile phone
connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recog-nition for mobile phone
connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTE
GNext preset b)Next trackb)No function specifiedOperates on instrument
panelOperates on instrument
panel/No function speci- fied
HPrevious preset b)Previous trackb)No function specifiedOperates on instrument
panelOperates on instrument
panel/No function speci- fied
IChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrumentpanelChange menu on instru-ment panelNo function specifiedChange menu on instru- ment panel
JChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrumentpanelChange menu on instru-ment panelNo function specifiedChange menu on instru- ment panel
KOperates on instrument pan- elOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrument
panel/No function speci- fied
LOperates on instrument pan- elOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrument
panel/No function speci- fied
a)For a more detailed description of how to use this button, please refer to the Radio navigation System User Handbook (SEAT Media System)
b) Only if the panel is in Audio menu. 

106Opening and closing
Anti-theft alarm system*
Description of anti-theft alarm system*
The anti-theft alarm triggers if unauthorised movements are
detected around the vehicle.
The anti-theft alarm makes it more difficult to break into the vehicle or steal
it. Audible and visible alarms are triggered if the vehicle is opened using
the key, or if unauthorised access to the vehicle is forced.
The anti-theft alarm system is automatically switched on when locking the
vehicle. The system is then primed.
When does the system trigger an alarm?
The system triggers an alarm if the following unauthorised actions are car-
ried out when the vehicle is locked:
● Mechanical opening of the vehicle with the vehicle key
● Opening a door
● Opening the bonnet
● Opening the rear lid
● Switching on the ignition
● Movements in the vehicle interior
● Undue manipulation of the alarm
● Battery handling
The acoustic signals sound and the turn signals flash for approx. 30 sec-
onds. This may be repeated up to 10 times depending on the country.
Opening the doors mechanically (emergency opening)
If the radio frequency remote control function fails, you will have to use the
key to unlock the vehicle. This is done as follows: ●
Unfold the key by pressing the button shown by the (arrow).
● Use the lock on the driver door to unlock the vehicle. The anti-theft
alarm system remains active, but an alarm is not triggered immediately.
● Switch on the ignition within 15 seconds. When the ignition is switched
on, the electronic immobiliser recognises a valid vehicle key and deacti-
vates the anti-theft alarm system. If you do not switch on the ignition within
15 seconds, the alarm is triggered.
Opening all the doors in manual mode
In vehicles without alarm, when opening the driver door manually all the
doors are opened.
How to switch the alarm off
When the vehicle is unlocked via the unlocking button of the radio frequen-
cy remote control or when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.
Note
● If, after the audible warning goes off, another monitored area is ac-
cessed (e.g. the rear lid is opened after a door has been opened), the alarm
is triggered again.
● Vehicle monitoring remains active even if the battery is disconnected or
not working for any reason.
● The alarm is triggered immediately if one of the battery cables is discon-
nected while the alarm system is active. 
Volumetric sensor*
Monitoring or control function incorporated in the anti-theft
alarm* which detects unauthorized vehicle entry by means
of ultrasound.
The system consists of 3 sensors, 2 emitters and a receptor. 

117
Lights and visibility
Daytime lights*
The daytime light reduces the risk of accidents by increasing
the visibility of the vehicle. The daytime running lights are
enabled automatically when the ignition is switched on. It is
automatically switched off when the side lights are turned
on.
Daytime lights (halogen lamps) 1)
The daytime lights increase road safety in vehicles fitted with halogen
lamps. These include the dipped, side and number plate lights.
The daytime lights are switched on each time the ignition is turned on if the
light setting is in position 0 or . Depending upon the model, a control
lamp  on the light control switch or the lighting up of the instrument pan-
el will indicate that the daytime lighting is on.
It is not possible to switch the daytime lights on or off. Please contact a spe-
cialised workshop if you wish to deactivate the lights.
Daytime lights (bi-xenon lamps)
The daytime lights increase road safety in vehicles fitted with bi-xenon
lamps. The lights are built-in separately to the headlights and are switched
on each time the ignition is turned on if the light setting is in position 0 or
.
Automatic control of the dipped beam in combination with the daytime
lights (bi-xenon headlights)
If the dipped light control and the daytime lighting are activated at the
same time, the dipped lights and the instrument panel lighting will auto-
matically come on as required (e.g. on entering a tunnel) and the daytime
lights will go off. When the automatic dipped light control switches off the dipped lights (e.g. on coming out of the tunnel), the daytime lights come
back on.
Activating the daytime driving lights
With the ignition switched off, move the turn signal and main beam lever
upwards and back (right turn signal and headlight flash).
Switch on the ignition for 3 seconds while holding this position. The day-
time lights are activated and can be switched on.
Switching off daytime driving lights
With the ignition switched off, move the turn signal and main beam lever
upwards and back (left turn signal and headlight flash) and hold in this po-
sition.
Switch on the ignition for 3 seconds while holding this position. The day-
time lights are deactivated and cannot be switched on.
Activating daytime lights (bi-xenon lamps)
Remove the key from the ignition, move the turn signal lever upwards (right
turn signal) and press it backwards to flash position and hold it in this posi-
tion.
Insert the key and switch the ignition on, holding it in this position for 3
seconds. Then, switch off the ignition. The daytime lights are activated and
can be switched on.
Deactivating daytime lights (bi-xenon lamps)
Remove the key from the ignition, move the turn signal lever upwards (left
turn signal) and press it backwards to flash position and hold it in this posi-
tion.
Insert the key and switch the ignition on, holding it in this position for 3
seconds. Then, switch off the ignition. The daytime lights are deactivated
and cannot be switched on.

1)
It is only available in some countries or as an optional extra
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

164Air conditioning
Viewing Climatronic information
Information about the Climatronic system can be displayed
on the radio or radio and navigation screen mounted at fac-
tory.
Fig. 132 Navigation dis-
play with information
about the Climatronic
Fig. 133 Radio display
with information about
Climatronic The LEDs on the Climatronic controls indicate that the selected function has
been activated.
In addition, the radio or radio and navigation displays mounted at factory
briefly display the current settings of the Climatronic if any are modified.
The symbols used on the radio or radio and navigation displays are the
same as the symbols used for the Climatronic controls.

Automatic mode
In automatic mode air temperature, air flow and distribution
are automatically regulated so that a specified temperature
is attained as quickly as possible and then maintained. The temperature can be adjusted separately for the left and right
sides of the vehicle interior.
Switching on automatic mode
– Press the AUTO
⇒ 
Fig. 131 button. “AUTO High” is shown on the
radio display (high fan speed).
– Press the AUTO
button again ⇒ Fig. 131. “AUTO Low” is shown
on the radio display (low fan speed).
Depending upon the version and finish, the vehicle may include:
When a temperature of 22 °C (72 °F) is set in automatic mode a comfortable
interior climate is quickly reached. Therefore, we recommend you not to
change this adjustment, except as necessary to suit individual preferences
or particular circumstances. The inside temperature can be set between
+18 °C (64 °F) and +26 °C (80 °F). These are approximate temperatures and
the actual temperature may be slightly higher or lower depending on the
ambient conditions. 

167
Air conditioning
With high outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the vehicle
rather than the ambient air.
If the windscreen air output is on and the air recirculation mode is pressed,
this remains active. When the recirculation mode is on, if the air distribution
towards the windscreen mode is selected, the recirculation mode is deacti-
vated. For safety reasons, the air recirculation mode should not be connec-
ted.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle
interior. If the air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can
quickly mist over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode
switched on for a long time (risk of accident).

General notes
Pollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and active carbon filter)
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and
pollen.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the pollution filter
must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Plan.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas reaching very
high pollution levels, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently
than stated in the Service Schedule.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning system is switched on, not only the temperature,
but also the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows
when the ambient air humidity is high.
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on this may be caused by
the following reasons:
●
The engine is not running.
● The AC
button is disconnected.
● The outside temperature is below +3 °C.
● The air conditioning system compressor has been temporarily switched
off because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a speci-
alised workshop.
CAUTION
● If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch it off with but-
ton AC
to prevent further damage and have it checked by a specialised
workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. Therefore, we recommend you to take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop.
Note
● If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensa-
tion can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and so forming a pud-
dle underneath the vehicle. This is completely normal and there is no need
to suspect a leak.
● Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and
leaves to ensure heating and cooling are not impaired, and to prevent the
windows from misting over.
● The air from the vents flows through the vehicle interior and is extracted
by slots designed for this purpose. Therefore, do not cover these slots with
items of clothing or other objects. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

180Driving
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic
gearbox*
Selector lever positions
Fig. 144 Centre console:
Selector lever for auto-
matic gearbox / DSG au-
tomatic gearbox
Selector lever positions indicated on the cover Parking position (lever locked).
Reverse position.
Neutral position (lever locked). This position is similar to the neutral po-
sition for manual gearboxes).
Drive position (economic driving programme).
Sports driving position.Tiptronic driving position (this programme is similar to the operation of
a manual gearbox). 
P
R
N
D
S
+/- Driving programmes
The automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox has three
programmes.
Fig. 145 Programme se-
lection
Selecting the economy programme
– This programme selects a higher gear earlier rather than remain
in a lower gear.
– Put the selector lever into position D to drive forwards
– Put the selector lever into position R to reverse. This position is
shared by all programmes for reversing.
Selecting the sport programme
– Move the lever to position S.
If you select the sport programme, S, the programme is designed for a
sports mode, that is, a programme which changes up at higher engine 

182Driving
–Press the button on the selector lever knob (on the left)
⇒ Fig. 147.
– Select a gear for driving ( R, D or S).
– Release the button and wait a few seconds for the gear to en-
gage, a light jerk will be felt.
– Release the brake and accelerate.
Short stop
– Hold the vehicle stationary with the brake pressed down (for ex-
ample at traffic lights). The selector lever does not need to be
put into the positions P or N for this.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking
– Press the brake pedal and hold to bring the vehicle to a stop.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press in the button on the selector lever knob, move the lever to
the position P and release the button.
Driving slowly
– Move the selector lever to position D and press to the right to
put the lever into tiptronic mode.
– Press the gear lever towards (-) to select a lower gear.
Hill stop
– Hold the vehicle, in all cases, using the brake pedal to prevent
rolling back. –
Do not try to slow the vehicle using another forward gear (en-
gine braking).
Descending gradients
– With the gear engaged, release the brake and accelerate.
The steeper the gradient the lower the gear must be for effective engine
braking. For example, if 3rd gear is used on a very steep gradient, the en-
gine braking is insufficient and vehicle accelerates. So that the engine
speed does not become excessive, the gearbox changes to the next highest
gear. Depress the brake pedal and move the selector lever to the tiptronic
gate to return to 3rd gear.
WARNING
● The driver should never leave the vehicle while the engine is running
or with any gear selected. If for any reason you must leave the vehicle
with the engine running, apply the handbrake and move the selector lev-
er to position P.
● When the engine is running and the positions D, S or R are selected,
it is necessary to hold the vehicle with the brake pedal because the vehi-
cle will creep at a low speed.
● Never accelerate while changing the position of the gear lever (risk of
an accident).
● The gear lever must never be moved into the positions R or P while
moving (risk of an accident).
● Before descending a steep gradient, reduce speed and use the tip-
tronic programme to select a lower gear.
● If you must stop on a hill, always hold the vehicle using the footbrake
to avoid rolling back. 