2013 Seat Altea XL maintenance

246Checking and refilling levels
Brake fluid
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the serv-
ice schedule.
Fig. 173 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding en-
gine compartment illustration ⇒ page 292. The brake fluid reservoir has a
black and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below
the “MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the
instrument panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 77.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 233.

Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates the brake fluid
change intervals. We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by a Technical Serv-
ice.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ 
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on page 233 in
section “Safety notes for working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of
the brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock
which could impair the braking effect.
Be sure to always use the correct brake fluid. Only use brake fluid that ex-
pressly meets VW 501 14 standards.
You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake fluid in a SEAT dealership or SEAT
Official Service. If none is available, use only high quality brake fluid that
meets DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA Standards FMVSS 116 DOT
4.
Using any other kind of brake fluid or one that is not of a high quality may
affect operation of the brake system and reduce its effectiveness. Never use
a brake fluid if the container does not state that it complies with VW 501 14,
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA standards FMVSS 116 DOT 4. 

247
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
● Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 233.
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.
● Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance Pro-
gramme. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake
fluid is left in the brake system for too long. This would seriously affect
the effectiveness of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may
cause an accident.
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from
the paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and brake fluid must be collected and disposed of accord-
ing the applicable regulations. The SEAT Technical Service network has the
necessary equipment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing
of this waste material. Vehicle battery
Warnings on handling the battery
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves
and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as
the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:
● Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid
and particles containing lead.
● Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and eye
protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralise any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

249
Checking and refilling levels
● Black: correct charge status.
● Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a speci-
alised workshop. 
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.
If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long peri-
ods, the battery should be checked by a specialised workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle,
the battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have
the vehicle battery checked by a Technical Service where it will be re-charg-
ed or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety
specifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
● We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof
batteries which comply with standards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This
standard applies as of 2001.
● Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe
the warnings ⇒ 
in Warnings on handling the battery on page 247.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They
must be disposed of appropriately and must not be disposed of with ordi-
nary household waste. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

288Description of specifications
Technical Specifications
Description of specifications
Important information
Important
The information in your vehicle's official documents always
take precedence over the information in the current instruc-
tion manual. All technical specifications provided in this documentation are valid for the
standard model in Spain. The vehicle data card included in the Inspection
and Maintenance Plan in the vehicle documentation shows which engine is
installed in the vehicle.
The figures may be different depending whether additional equipment is fit-
ted, for different models, for special vehicles and for other countries.
Abbreviations used in the Technical Specifications section
Abbrevia- tionMeaning
kWKilowatt, engine power measurement.
PSPferdestärke (horsepower), formerly used to denote engine
power.
rpmRevolutions per minute - engine speed.NmNewton metres, unit of engine torque.l/100 kmFuel consumption in litres per 100 km.g/kmCarbon dioxide emissions in grams per km travelled.CO2Carbon dioxide
Abbrevia-
tionMeaning
CNCetane number, indication of the diesel combustion power.
RONResearch octane number, indication of the knock resistance
of petrol.

289
Description of specifications
Vehicle identification data
The most important information is given on the identifica-
tion plate and the vehicle data sticker.
Fig. 208 Vehicle data
sticker (luggage compart-
ment)
Vehicles for certain export countries do not have an identification plate.
Identification plate
The identification plate is located on the left rib inside the engine compart-
ment.
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number (chassis number) can be read from out-
side the vehicle through a viewer in the windscreen. This is located on the
left-hand side of the vehicle in the lower area of the windscreen. It is also
located on the right hand side of the engine compartment. Vehicle data
The data sticker is placed on the inside of the spare wheel well, in the lug-
gage compartment and on the rear cover of the Maintenance Programme.
The following information is provided on the vehicle data sticker:
⇒ Fig. 208
Production control number
Vehicle identification number (chassis number)
Model code number
Model designation/engine power output
Engine and gearbox code letters
Paintwork number/interior trim code
Optional equipment codes
Consumption values
CO 2 emissions values
At the end of the data sticker, in points 8
and 9, you can see the con-
sumption and emission information.
Information on consumption and emissions
Urban consumption (l/100 km)
Urban CO 2 emissions (g/km)
Extra-urban consumption (l/100 km)
Extra-urban CO 2 emissions (g/km)
Combined consumption (l/100 km)
Combined CO 2 emissions (g/km)

1
23456789
A
B
C
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

290Description of specifications
Information on fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehicle
data sticker differ from one vehicle to another.
The vehicle fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions can be consulted on the
vehicle data sticker in the spare wheel well, inside the luggage compart-
ment and on the rear cover of the Maintenance Programme.
The fuel consumption and CO 2 emission values refer to the weight category
assigned to your vehicle according to the engine and gearbox combination,
as well as the specific equipment fitted, and is only used to compare be-
tween the different models.
The fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions do not depend only on the per-
formance of the vehicle, they can also differ from the established values de-
pending on other factors such as driving style, road conditions, traffic con-
ditions, environmental conditions, load and number of passengers.
Calculation of fuel consumption
The consumption values have been calculated based on measurements per-
formed or supervised by certified CE laboratories according to the latest ver-
sion of directives 715/2007/EC and 80/1268/CEE (for more information
consult the European Union Publications Office at EUR-Lex: © European Un-
ion, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) and are valid for the kerb
weight indicated for the vehicle.
Note
In practice, and considering all the factors mentioned here, consumption
values can differ from those calculated in the current European regulations. Weights
Kerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for
the weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase
⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect vehicle handling and lead to an accident.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions and re-
quirements.
● Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded,
the driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to acci-
dents, injuries and damage to the vehicle.

Towing a trailer Trailer weights
Trailer weight
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive tri-
als according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) (in
certain circumstances up to 100 km/h (60 mph)). The figures may be differ-
ent in other countries. All data in the official vehicle documentation takes
precedence over these data at all times ⇒ 
.

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

Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Multifunction display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
N
Number of seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
O
Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Octane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Oil change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
One-touch opening and closing Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Opening and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Outside temperature indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Overview control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 P
Paintwork Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Parking lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Parking System Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Passenger see Correct sitting position . . . . . . . 10, 11, 12
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Petrol additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Physical principles of a frontal collision . . . . . . 21
Plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Plastic parts cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Pollen filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Pollution filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Products for vehicle maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 212
RRadio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Radio navigation steering wheel controls Audio version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Audio + telephone version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Rain sensor* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Rear drink holder* Armrest* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Rear fog light
control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82, 115
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Rear interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Emergency opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Rear reading lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Rear shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Rear window automatic wiper/washer . . . . . . 130
Rear window wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Recommended gear display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Registration light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Remote control key Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Synchronising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Removing and fitting the wheel . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Repairs Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Replacement keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Replacement of parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Reverse gear Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Roll-back function Sliding/tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Roof rack* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Roof storage compartment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
310 Index