2013 Seat Altea XL heating

209
Trailer towing
Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the ve-
hicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country. 
Ball coupling of towing bracket*
Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook
may be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and caus-
ing injury.
Note
● By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
if it obscures the number plate. Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed
in an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can
be caused by locking of trailer wheels. Select a low gear in due course be-
fore going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine brak-
ing to slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low
gear and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge
⇒ page 55.
Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC* system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or rocking. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

216Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
If possible, use a de-icing spray to remove ice. If you use an ice scraper,
push it in one direction only without swinging it.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean rubber, oil, grease and
silicone deposits off.
Wax deposits can be removed with a special cleaner available in your Tech-
nical Services. Wax deposits on the windscreen could cause the wiper
blades to judder. Adding a window cleaner that dissolves wax to the wind-
screen washer fluid prevents wiper blades from juddering, but wax deposits
are not removed.
CAUTION
● Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!
● The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of
the window. To prevent damage, do not put stickers over the heating ele-
ments on the inside of the window. 
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
Clean wiper blades improve visibility.
1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen wiper blades.
2. Use window cleaner to clean the windscreen wiper blades. Use a sponge or a cloth to remove stubborn dirt. Rubber seals maintenance
If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not freeze so
quickly.
1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
2. Apply a specialist care product to the rubber seals.
The rubber strips on the doors, windows, bonnet and rear lid will remain
pliable and last longer if they are treated with a suitable care product (for
example silicone spray).
Caring for rubber seals will also prevent premature ageing and leaks. The
doors will be easier to open. If rubber seals are well looked after, they will
not freeze so quickly in winter. 
Door lock cylinders
The door lock cylinders can freeze up in winter.
To de-ice the lock cylinders you should only use spray with lubricating and
anti-corrosive properties. 
Cleaning chrome parts
1. Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth.
2. Polish chrome parts with a soft, dry cloth. If this does not provide satisfying results, use a specialist chrome cleaning
product. Chrome cleaning products will remove stains from the surface. 

241
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the coolant system, the engine may
fail leading to serious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of additive is correct with re-
spect to the lowest expected ambient temperature in the zone in which
the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low, the coolant could freeze
and the vehicle would be immobilised. In this case, the heating would
not work either and inadequately dressed passengers could die of cold.
CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed with coolants which are not
approved by SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to
the engine and the engine cooling system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not purple but is, for example,
brown, this indicates that the G 13 additive has been mixed with an inade-
quate coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! This could result in serious faults and engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. If any fluids are
spilled, they should be collected and correctly disposed of, with respect to
the environment. Checking the coolant level and topping up

The correct coolant level is important for fault-free function-
ing of the engine cooling system.
Fig. 168 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ 
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on
page 233.
Opening the coolant expansion tank
– Switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
– To prevent scalding, cover the cap on the coolant expansion
tank with a thick cloth and carefully unscrew the cap ⇒ 
.
Checking coolant level
– Look into the open coolant expansion tank and read off the
coolant level.
– If the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

252Wheels and tyres
WARNING
● Never adjust tyre pressure when the tyres are hot. This may damage
or even burst the tyres. Risk of accident!
● An insufficiently inflated tyre flexes a lot more at high speeds and
causes significant heating of the tyre. Under these conditions, the tyre
bead may be released or the tyre may burst. Risk of accident!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear. 
Significant tyre pressure loss
The tyre symbol  is displayed and indicates that the tyre pressure
of at least one tyre is insufficient.
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the tyre(s).
– Change the wheel if necessary ⇒ 
page 261. Tyre useful life
The useful life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving
style and fitting.
Fig. 174 Tyre tread wear
indicators
Fig. 175 Diagram for
changing wheels


254Wheels and tyres
Run-flat tyres
Run-flat tyres allow you to continue driving even with a
punctured tyre, in the majority of cases.
In vehicles that are factory-fitted with run-flat tyres 1)
the loss of tyre
pressure is indicated on the instrument panel.
Driving with run-flat tyres (emergency running)
– Leave the ESC/ASR on (Electronic Stability Control), or switch it
on ⇒  page 196.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h (50 mph) maxi-
mum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Pay attention if the ESC/ASR activates often, if smoke comes
from the tyres or there is a smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrates
or there are clattering noises. If any of these occur, stop the ve-
hicle.
The run-flat tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description:
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air they are
supported on the sides (emergency driving).
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can
then drive a maximum of 80 km (50 miles) and if the circumstances are fa-
vourable (for example, low load), even more. The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should
be checked in a specialised workshop to detect possible damage and re-
place it if necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more
than one tyre is being used under emergency conditions, this reduces the
distance which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this means
that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions
⇒ 
.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
● smoke is coming from one of the tyres,
● there is a smell of rubber,
● the vehicle vibrates,
● there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving even using run-flat tyres?
● If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a
tyre has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be
thrown off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.
● It is also advisable to stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the
wheel starts overheating and gives off smoke. 
1)
Depending upon version and country.

271
If and when
Fuses on left side of dash panel
Fuses
NumberConsumerAmps1Vacant 2Vacant 3Vacant 4Vacant 5Vacant 6Vacant 7Vacant 8Vacant 9Airbag510RSE input (roof screen)1011Vacant 12Left xenon headlight10
13Instrument panel (oil level)/Switchboard wiring
(BCM)/Heater / ABS, ESC / Park Pilot/ Gateway/
Flow meter5
14Gearbox/ Power steering/ Brake light sensor/
Trailer/ ABS, ESC/ Haldex/ Light switch10
15Heated windscreen / Instrument lighting / Diag-
nosis switchboard/Engine management/Addi-
tional heating/AFS headlights/Park Pilot10
16Right xenon headlight10
17Engine management/RSE system with START-
STOP10
18Kombi/levers with START-STOP519Navigation/Radio with START-STOP15
20Park Pilot (parking aid) / Gear lever/ ESC switch-
board10
NumberConsumerAmps21Vacant 22Volumetric alarm sensor/ Alarm horn523Diagnosis / Rain sensor / Light switch1024Trailer hook pre-installation assistant1525Vacant 26Vacuum pump2027RSE supply (Ceiling display) without START-STOP1028Rear window wiper motor2029Vacant 30Cigarette lighter/power socket2031Vacant 32Vacant 33Heater4034Vacant 35Vacant 36Vacant 37Vacant 38Vacant 39Trailer control unit (coupling)15
40Trailer control unit (turn signals, brakes and left
side)20
41Trailer control unit (fog light, reverse light and
right side)20
42BCM wiring switchboard2043Trailer pre-installation4044Heated rear window2545Electric windows (front)3046Rear electric windows3047Engine (Fuel control unit, petrol relay)15 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

272If and when
NumberConsumerAmps48Convenience controls2049Heating controls4050Heated seats3051Sunroof2052Headlight washer system2053Trailer hook pre-installation assistant2054Taxi (taximeter power supply)555Trailer hook pre-installation assistant2056Taxi (transmitter power supply)1557Telephone power supply with START-STOP1058Central locking control unit30
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
Please note that the above list, while correct at the time of printing, is sub-
ject to alterations. If discrepancies should occur, please refer to the sticker
on the inside of the fuse cover for the correct information for your model. 
Fuses layout, engine compartment, left part
Fuses
NumberConsumerAmps1Windscreen wipers202DQ200 gearbox303Cable control unit54ABS205AQ gearbox156Instrument panel/Steering column5
NumberConsumerAmps7Ignition key408Radio159Telephone/TomTom Navigator5
10Engine management5Engine management1011Vacant 12Electronic control unit5
13Petrol injection module supply15Diesel injection module supply3014Coil20
15Engine management5Pump relay1016Right lighting3017Horn1518Vacant 19Clean30
20Water pump10Pressure sensor pump for 1.8 engine2021 a)Lambda probe1522Brake pedal, speed sensor5
23a)Engine management5Engine management10Engine management1524AKF, gearbox valve1025a)ABS pump4026Left lighting30
27a)Engine management40Engine management5028Vacant


Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
HeadlightsDriving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Headlight washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Head restraints Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135, 136
Adjustment of the head restraint angle . . 136
Removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Heated front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Heated rear window 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Heating element wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
High pressure cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Hill-start aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
How to jump start description . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Hydraulic Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
I
Identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Identification plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Ignition key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Information in the multifunction display Memory displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Information messages in the display . . . . . . . . 66
Instrument and switch lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Instrument panel menu
Lights and visibility menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Instrument panel menus Configuration menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Example of menu use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Main menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Vehicle status menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Interior rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Interval wipe, windscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
J
Jack position points Sill panel trim with cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Jump leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
L
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Load compartment in the luggage compart- ment
see Loading the luggage compartment . . . 17
Loading the luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . 17
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 LPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60, 175, 228
LPG system
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Filler neck adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Level indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 see also Loading the luggage compartment . .17
Luggage compartment net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
M
Main beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115, 122
Main beam headlights control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Main headlight bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Maintenance Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Manual mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
MEDIA-IN connector* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
MFI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Mirrors Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Interior rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Vanity mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Mobile phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Multi-purpose mobile storage compartment* 148 Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
309
Index