2013 Seat Altea XL engine

72Cockpit
Resetting a memory Select the memory where you wish to erase the values.
Hold down button A
on the windscreen wiper lever or the OK button
on the multifunction* steering wheel for at least two seconds.
The trip memory 1 collects the travel and consumption data from the mo-
ment the ignition is switched on until it is switched off. If the journey is con-
tinued within two hours of switching off the ignition, the new values will be
added to the existing trip recorder memory. The memory will automatically
be deleted if the journey is interrupted for more than two hours.
The total memory 2 collects the journey data for any number of individual
journeys (even if the ignition is switched off for longer than two hours) up to
a total of 19 hours and 59 minutes travel time or 1999 km (miles) distance
travelled. The memory will automatically be deleted if one of the named val-
ues is reached.
Memory indications
The following data can be viewed on the multifunction display using the
rocker switch B
⇒ Fig. 45 ⇒ 
page 68 on the windscreen wiper lever or by
pressing button  or  ⇒ 
Fig. 46 on the multifunction steering wheel*.
Personal selection of display
The driver can establish which displays are shown on the instrument panel
display as required:
● Select the submenu Multifunction Display Data from the Configuration
menu ⇒ page 73.
● The displays can be activated or deactivated individually by marking the
required option and pressing the OK
button on the windscreen wiper lever
or the multifunction steering wheel*.
Duration in h and min
The display shows the amount of time which has elapsed since the ignition
was switched on. –
– The maximum display value in both memories is 19 hours and 59 minutes.
The memory will automatically be deleted once this value has been
reached.
Current fuel consumption
in l/100 km or l/h
The display will show the current fuel consumption in litres/100 km whilst
the vehicle is in motion or in litres/hour when the vehicle is in a stationary
position with the engine running.
Using this display you can see how your driving style affects fuel consump-
tion ⇒ page 204.
Average consumption in l/100 km
The average fuel consumption will be shown after a distance of approxi-
mately 100 metres has been travelled. Until then dashes will appear in the
display. The display will be updated every five seconds while the vehicle is
in motion. The amount of fuel used will not be shown.
Distance travelled in km (miles)
The display shows the distance travelled since the ignition was switched on.
The maximum display value in both memories is 1999 km (miles). The
memory will automatically be deleted once this value has been reached.
Average speed in km/h (mph) The average speed will be shown after a distance of approximately 100 me-
tres has been travelled. Until then dashes will appear in the display. The
display will be updated every five seconds while the vehicle is in motion.
Speed warning at --- km/h (mph) This function may help you to keep within the speed limits. Press the OK
button on the windscreen wiper lever
A or the multifunction steering
wheel* to select the current speed. The instrument panel display gives the
selected speed, for example, Speed warning 120 km/h. You have five sec-
onds to reset the speed between 30 km/h (20 mph) and 250 km/h
(160 mph) using rocker switch B
or buttons  or  on the multifunction
steering wheel*. Press the OK button or wait five seconds until the speed is


73
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stored and the warning is activated. If the set speed is exceeded, an audible
warning is heard and a warning message is displayed until the speed is re-
duced to at least 4 km/h (2 mph) below the stored speed. The function is
switched off by pressing the OK
button again. Speed warning --- km/h
(miles) is now displayed on the instrument panel.
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
● There are different instrument panels; therefore the multifunction dis-
play may vary.
● When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tem-
perature displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside tempera-
ture as a result of the heat radiated from the engine.
● Vehicles with a multifunction steering wheel* do not have buttons on
the windscreen wiper lever. The multifunction display can only be controlled
from the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel*. 
Vehicle status menu
This menu shows warning or information texts
Open Vehicle Condition menu
– Select the option Vehicle status from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK
on the windscreen wiper lever
A⇒ 
Fig. 47. Or –
Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ Fig. 46 until the Vehicle Status menu is displayed.
Priority 2 warning messages and information texts: “Information and warn-
ing messages on the screen” will automatically disappear from the screen
after a time and will be stored in the Vehicle status menu.
The warning and information texts may be viewed in this menu. If there is
no warning or information message, the option Vehicle status is not dis-
played. If there are several messages, each one is shown for a few seconds.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 68
Note
If there are no warning messages, this menu is not available. 
Configuration menu
This menu is used to make the settings for the vehicle func-
tions. Open Configuration menu
– Select the option Configuration from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK

A ⇒ Fig. 45 on the windscreen
wiper lever. Or
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ Fig. 46 until the Configuration menu is displayed.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 68 
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78Cockpit
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther infor-
mation
1Fuel level / reserve⇒ page 81
2Coolant level / coolant temperature⇒ page 82
3Rear fog light switched on⇒ page 82
4 Turn signals in operation⇒ page 83
5Engine fault (petrol engine)⇒ page 83
Glow plug system (diesel engines)⇒ page 83
6Main beam switched on⇒ page 83
7Soot accumulation in the diesel engine
particulate filter⇒ page 83
8ABS system fault⇒ page 84
9Windscreen washer fluid level⇒ page 84
10Alternator fault⇒ page 85
11Fasten seat belts!⇒ page 19
12Brake pad worn⇒ page 85
13Tyre pressure⇒ page 85
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 86
16Brake fluid required or
brake system fault⇒ page 86
17
Red:
Engine oil pressure
⇒ page 87Yellow:
If flashing: engine oil sensor faulty
If it remains lit: insufficient engine oil
18Handbrake on⇒ page 185
19Cruise speed activated (Cruise control)⇒ page 87
20Door open indicator⇒ page 88
21If it stays lit: ASR switched off⇒ page 89
⇒ page 89
⇒ page 170
22Electromechanical steering⇒ page 88
23Fault in the emission control system⇒ page 88
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 89
⇒ page 89
⇒ page 170

25Selector lever lock (automatic gearbox)⇒ page 90 

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Cockpit
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 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

80Cockpit
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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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: Clean the air filter.
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 P/N to start. Only in ve-
hicles 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 269.
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 115. 
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 122.
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 122. 
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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications