2013 Seat Altea XL steering wheel

95
Steering wheel controls
Radio navigation system Steering wheel Audio + Telephone controls
Fig. 57 Controls on the
steering wheelFig. 58 Steering wheel
controls (depending on
version of model)
ButtonRadioCD/MP3/USB*/iPod*AUXNAVIGATORTELEPHONEAVolume upVolume upVolume upVolume upVolume upBVolume downVolume downVolume downVolume downVolume down
CSearch for next stationNext track
Hold down: Fast forwardNo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specified
DSearch for last stationPrevious track
Hold down: RewindNo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specified 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

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. 

122Lights and visibility
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the park-
ing lights and the headlight flasher.
Fig. 77 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒ Fig. 77 1
to indicate right, and
all the way down 2 to indicate left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up 1
or down 2 to the point where you incur
resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding control lamp will also flash. Switching main beam on and off
–
If the dipped lights are on, push the lever forward ⇒ Fig. 77 3
to switch on the main beam.
– Push the lever towards the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 77 4
to
switch off the main beam.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel 4
to operate the
flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the turn signal lever up or down to turn the right or left-
hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
● The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp  or  flashes in the instrument panel. The control
lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is
correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is de-
fective, the control lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal
bulbs are damaged, control lamp  does not light up. Change the bulb.
● The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The warning lamp  then comes on in the instru-
ment panel. 

127
Lights and visibility
Rear door sun blind*
– Pull out the visor and hook it onto the hooks at the top of the
door frame ⇒ Fig. 84. 
Windscreen wipers
Front windscreen wipers 
The window wiper lever controls the windscreen wipers and
the automatic wash and wipe.
Fig. 85 Windscreen wip-
er and windscreen wash
lever
The windscreen wiper lever ⇒ Fig. 85 has the following positions:
Switching off the windscreen wipers
– Move the lever to position 0
. Interval wipe
–
Move the lever up to position 1
.
– Move the control A
to the left or right to set the length of the
wipe intervals. Control to the left: long intervals; control to the
right: short intervals. Four wiper interval stages can be set us-
ing switch A
.
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position 2
.
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position 3
.
Short wipe
– Move the lever down to position 4
to give the windscreen a
short wipe. The wiper will start to move faster if you keep the
lever pressed down for longer than two seconds.
Wash and wipe automatic system 
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel - Position 5
. The
wash function will start immediately and the wipers will start
with a slight delay. The wash and wiper systems will function at
the same time at speeds of over 120 km/h (75 mph).
– Release the lever. The wipers will keep running for approximate-
ly four seconds.
Heated windscreen in the wiper blade area*
In some countries and with some versions, there is the possibility of heat-
ing the windscreen in the area of the windscreen wiper blades in order to
aid de-icing in the zone. The function is switched on by pressing the heated
rear window key . 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

130Lights and visibility
Rear window wiper 
The window wiper lever operates the windscreen wiper and
the wash and wipe system for the rear window.
Fig. 88 Windscreen wip-
er and windscreen wash
lever: rear window wiper
Switching on the interval wipe
– Press the lever forwards to position 6
⇒ Fig. 88 . The wiper will
wipe the window approximately every 6 seconds.
Switching off the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever back from position 6
towards the steering wheel.
The wiper will continue to function for a short period if you
switch off whilst the wipers are in motion.
Switching on the windscreen wiper and washer system
– Press the lever fully forwards to position 7
⇒ Fig. 88 . The
wash function will start immediately and the wiper will start
with a slight delay. The windscreen wash system will function
as long as you hold the lever in this position. –
Release the lever. The wiper then wipes for approximately 4 sec-
onds, and then in intervals again.
– Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wipers
function.
WARNING
● A worn or dirty wiper blade will obstruct visibility and reduce safety.
● Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒ page 243, Changing
windscreen wiper blades.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blade is not frozen to the
glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you switch on the wiper
when the wiper blade is frozen to the glass, this could damage both the
wiper blade and the wiper motor.
Note
● The windscreen wiper will only function when the ignition is switched on
and the rear lid is closed.
● In reverse gear, with the windscreen wipers switched on, the rear wind-
screen wiper will make one wipe. 
Headlight washer*
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses. The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen
washer is used and the window wiper lever is pulled towards the steering
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped beam headlights or 

134Seats and storage
Seats and storage
The importance of correct seat adjustment
Proper seat adjustment optimises the level of protection of-
fered by seat belts and airbags.
Your vehicle has five seats, two in the front and three in the rear. Each seat
is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
The driver seat and the front passenger seat can be adjusted in many ways
to suit the physical requirements of the vehicle occupants. The correct seat
position is very important for:
● a fast and easy operation of all controls on the instrument panel,
● a relaxed posture which does not cause drowsiness,
● a safe driving ⇒ page 7,
● ensuring that the seat belts and airbag system provide maximum pro-
tection ⇒  page 19.
WARNING
● If the driver and passengers assume improper sitting positions, they
may sustain critical injuries.
● Never transport more than the permitted amount of people in your ve-
hicle.
● Every vehicle occupant must properly fasten and wear the seat belt
belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an appro-
priate child restraint system ⇒ page 46, Child safety.
● The front seats and all head restraints must always be adjusted to
body size and the seat belt must always be properly adjusted to provide
you and your passengers with optimum protection.
WARNING (Continued)
● Always keep your feet on the footwell when the vehicle is moving;
never rest them on the dash panel, out of the window or on the seat. This
is also applied to passengers. An incorrect sitting position exposes you
to an increased risk of injury in case of a sudden braking or an accident.
If the airbag is triggered, you could sustain severe injuries due to an in-
correct sitting position.
● It is important for the driver and front passenger to keep a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel and dash panel. Failure to respect
the minimum distance means that the airbag will not protect you. Risk of
fatal injury. The distance between the driver and the steering wheel or
between the front passenger and the dash panel should always be as
great as possible.
● Adjust the driver or front passenger seat only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary. This also applies to the forwards/backwards adjustment of the
rear seats. Otherwise, your seat could move unexpectedly while the vehi-
cle is moving. This could increase the risk of an accident and therefore,
injury. In addition, while adjusting your seat, you will assume an incor-
rect sitting position. Risk of fatal accidents.
● Special guidelines apply to installing a child seat on the front passen-
ger seat. When installing a child seat, please observe the warnings de-
scribed in ⇒ page 46, Child safety.


169
Driving
Driving SteeringAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely ad-
justed to suit the driver.
Fig. 135 Adjusting the
steering wheel position
Fig. 136 Proper sitting
position for driver
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
– Push the lever under the steering column ⇒ Fig. 135 down ⇒ 
.
– Adjust the steering wheel until the correct position is set
⇒ Fig. 136.
– Then push the lever up again firmly ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Incorrect use of the steering column adjustment function and an in-
correct seating position can result in serious injury.
● To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only
when the vehicle is stationary. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

170Driving
WARNING (Continued)
● Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of
at least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest ⇒ Fig. 136. If
you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not protect you.
Risk of fatal injury.
● If your physical constitution does not allow you to maintain the mini-
mum distance of 25 cm, contact a Technical Service. The Technical Serv-
ice will help you to decide if special specific modifications are necessary.
● If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face,
the driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident.
Make sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold
the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner
(e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In
such cases, if the airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the
arms, hands and head.
 Safety
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC helps make driving safer in extreme driving condi-
tions.
Fig. 137 Detailed view of
the centre console: ESC
switch.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains the electronic differential lock
(EDL) and the traction control system (ASR). The ESC works together with
the ABS. Both control lamps will light up if the ESC or ABS systems are faul-
ty.
The ESC system is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot be switched off. The ESC switch
only switches the ASR off.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin is desirable.
For example: 