2013 Seat Altea XL ignition

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 

131
Lights and visibility
main beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the
headlights at regular intervals, for instance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
● To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer
spray.
● To remove water, the windscreen wipers will be activated from time to
time, the headlight washers will be activated every three cycles. 
Rear vision mirrors Interior rear vision mirror
It is dangerous to drive if you cannot see clearly through the
rear window.
Manual anti-dazzle function for interior rear vision mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at the bottom edge of the rear vision
mirror should be at the front. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-
dazzle function. Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on and
off as desired.
Fig. 89 Automatic anti-
dazzle interior rear vision
mirror.
Switching off the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 89. Control lamp B goes off.
Switching on the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 89. Control lamp is lit.
Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on.
The green warning lamp lights up in the rear vision mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the interior rear vision mirror will
darken automatically according to the amount of light it receives. The anti-
dazzle function is cancelled if reverse gear is engaged. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

132Lights and visibility
Note
● The automatic anti-dazzle function will only work properly if the sun
blind* for the rear window is retracted and there are no other objects pre-
venting light from reaching the rear vision mirror.
● If you have to stick any type of sticker on the windscreen, do not do so in
front of the sensors. Doing so could prevent the anti-dazzle function from
working well or even from working at all. 
Exterior mirrors
The exterior mirrors can be adjusted using the rotary knob
in the centre console.
Fig. 90 Controls of exte-
rior mirrors
Basic setting of exterior mirrors
1. Turn knob ⇒ 
Fig. 90 to position L (left exterior mirror ).
2. Turn the rotary knob to position the exterior mirror so that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle. 3. Turn knob to position R (right exterior mirror
).
4. Swivel the rotary knob to position the exterior mirror so that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle ⇒ 
.
Heating the exterior mirrors*
– Turn the knob forwards to the central position 1
so that the
heated rear vision mirrors warm up and the heated windscreen*
in the wiper blade rest area is activated. ⇒ page 127.
– The exterior mirror heating is not activated in temperatures
above approximately 20 °C.
Folding in exterior mirrors*
– Turn the control ⇒ Fig. 90 to position  to fold in the exterior
mirrors. You should always fold in the exterior mirrors if you are
driving through an automatic car wash. This will help prevent
damage.
Folding exterior mirrors with convenience control*
– The exterior mirror will fold back automatically with conven-
ience closing (with the remote or the key)
– To unfold it again, open the door and switch on the ignition.
Folding exterior mirrors back out to the extended position*
– Turn the knob to another position to fold the exterior mirrors
back out ⇒ 
.
Synchronised mirror adjustment
1. Turn the control to the position L (left exterior mirror).

138Seats and storage
Heated seats* 
The front seat cushions and backrests can be heated electri-
cally.
Fig. 95 Thumb wheel for
the front seat heating
Fig. 96 Front seat heat-
ing with Climatronic Front seat heating for vehicles without Climatronic
–
Turn the appropriate thumb wheel ⇒ Fig. 95 to switch on the
seat heating. The seat heating is switched off in the 0 position.
Front seat heating for vehicles with Climatronic
– Press button A
to switch on the seat heating.
– Press once to set seat heating at maximum level (level 3).
– Press twice to set seat heating at medium level (level 2).
– Press three times to set seat heating at minimum level (level 1).
– When the button is pressed four times, the heating goes off and
the LED goes out (level 0).
The seat heating only works when the ignition is switched on. The left
thumb wheel controls the left seat and the right thumb wheel the right seat.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the heating elements, please do not kneel on the seat or
apply sharp pressure at a single point to the seat cushion and backrest. 

150Seats and storage
Cigarette lighter*
Fig. 117 The cigarette
lighter is located in the
power socket on the front
of the centre console
– Press on the cigarette lighter ⇒ Fig. 117 to activate it ⇒ 
.
– Wait for the lighter to spring out.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glow-
ing coil.
WARNING
● Improper use of the cigarette lighter can lead to serious injuries or
start a fire.
● Using the lighter carefully. Carelessness or negligence when using
the cigarette lighter can cause burns and serious injuries.
● The lighter only works when the ignition is turned on or the engine is
running. To avoid the risk of fire, never leave children alone inside the ve-
hicle.
 Electrical sockets
Electrical equipment can be connected to any of the 12 volt
sockets.
Fig. 118 Power socket in
front centre console
Fig. 119 Power socket in
luggage compartment


151
Seats and storage
Electrical accessories may be connected to the 12 volt power socket in the
front centre console ⇒ Fig. 118 and in the luggage compartment*
⇒  Fig. 119. The appliances connected to each power point must not exceed
a power rating of 120 Watt.
WARNING
The power sockets and the connected accessories will only operate when
the ignition is on or when the engine is running. Improper use of the
sockets or electrical accessories can lead to serious injuries or cause a
fire. To avoid the risk of injury, never leave children alone inside the vehi-
cle.
Note
● The use of electrical appliances with the engine switched off will cause a
battery discharge.
● Before using any electrical accessories, see the instructions in
⇒ page 224. Auxiliary audio connection (AUX-IN)*Fig. 120 Auxiliary audio
connection
– Lift the AUX cover ⇒ Fig. 120.
– Insert the plug as far as possible (see Radio manual). 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

171
Driving
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it backwards and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on when you no longer need wheel
spin.
WARNING
● Do not forget that the Electronic stability control (ESC) cannot defy
the laws of physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery
and wet roads and when towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESC in
⇒ page 194, Intelligent technology.
 Ignition lock
Position of the ignition keyFig. 138 Ignition key po-
sitions
Ignition switched off, steering lock 0
In this position
⇒ Fig. 138 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steer-
ing may get locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the steer-
ing wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle theft
⇒ 
.
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on 1
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the key cannot be
turned or it is difficult to turn from position 0 to position 1, move the
steering wheel from one side to the other until it is released. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

172Driving
Starting 2
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Every time the vehicle is started again, the ignition key must be turned to
position 0
. The
repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
● The ignition key must NOT be removed from the lock until the vehicle
comes to a standstill. Otherwise, the steering could be immediately
blocked- Risk of accident!
● Always remove the key from the ignition when leaving the vehicle,
even for a short period. This is especially important if children or disa-
bled people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the
engine or work electrical equipment such as the electric windows, conse-
quently resulting in an accident.
● Unsupervised use of the keys could start the engine or any electrical
system, such as the electric window. This could result in serious injury.
CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key
position 2
). 
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons
from driving the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser au-
tomatically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The electronic immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as
you pull the key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with its correct
code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used. 
Starting and stopping the engine Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key
with its correct code. – Move the gearbox lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting ⇒ page 171 position.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the start-
er motor must not run on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the ac-
celerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern. 