2015 Seat Altea warning

Air conditioning
● The air conditioning system compressor
has been temporarily switched off because
the engine coolant temperature is too high.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air
conditioner checked by a specialised work-
shop.
Air recirculation mode Air recirculation mode
››› Fig. 116 4
 pre-
vents strong odours or contaminated air from the outside from entering the vehicle, for ex-
ample when passing through a tunnel or in a
traffic jam.
With low temperatures outside, the air recir-
culation increases the effectiveness of the
heating system by warming the air inside the
vehicle rather than the cold air from outside.
With high outside temperatures, the air recir-
culation increases the effectiveness of the air
conditioning system by cooling the air inside
the vehicle rather than the ambient air.
If the windscreen air output is on and air re-
circulation mode is pressed, it is activated.When the recirculation mode is on, if the air
distribution towards the windscreen mode is
selected, the recirculation mode is deactiva-
ted. For safety reasons, the air recirculation
mode should not be connected. WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the
outside enters the vehicle interior. If the air
conditioning system is switched off, the win-
dows can quickly mist over. Therefore, never
leave the air recirculation mode switched on
for a long time (risk of accident). 111Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Air conditioning
yellow and the symbol appears in the dis-
play. AUTO button – Automatic temperature,
ventilation and air distribution control
››› page 113
SYNC button – Dual zone synchroniser
OFF button – Switches the 2C-Climatronic
on and off ››› page 114
Blower control ››› page 114
A/C button – To switch on the cooling
system WARNING
For road safety all windows must be clear of
ice, snow, and condensation. This is essential
to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise
yourself with the correct operation of the
heating and ventilation system, including the
anti-fog/defrost functions for the wind-
screens. 7
8
9
10
11 Viewing Climatronic information
Fig. 118
Navigation display with information
about Climatronic. Fig. 119
Radio display with information about
Climatronic. Information about the Climatronic system can
be displayed on the radio or radio and navi-
gation screen mounted at factory.The LEDs on the Climatronic controls indicate
that the selected function has been activa-
ted.
In addition, the radio or radio and navigation
displays mounted at factory briefly display
the current Climatronic settings if any of
them have been modified.
The symbols used on the radio or radio and
navigation displays are the same as the sym-
bols used for the Climatronic controls.
Automatic mode In automatic mode air temperature, air flow
and distribution are automatically regulated
so that a specified temperature is attained as
quickly as possible and then maintained.
The temperature can be adjusted separately
for the left and right sides of the vehicle inte-
rior.
Switching on automatic mode
– Press the AUTO
›››
Fig. 117 button. “AUTO
High” i s
shown on the radio display (high
fan speed).
– Press the AUTO button again
›››
Fig. 117 .
“A UT

O Low” is shown on the radio display
(low fan speed).
Depending upon the version and finish, the
vehicle may include: »
113
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
If the windscreen air output is on and air re-
circulation mode is pressed, this remains ac-
tive. When the recirculation mode is on, if the
air distribution towards the windscreen mode
is selected, the recirculation mode is deacti-
vated. For safety reasons, the air recirculation
mode should not be connected. WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the
outside enters the vehicle interior. If the air
conditioning system is switched off, the win-
dows can quickly mist over. Therefore, never
leave the air recirculation mode switched on
for a long time (risk of accident). General notes
Pollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate
filter and active carbon filter) serves as a bar-
rier against impurities in the outside air, in-
cluding dust and pollen.
For the climate control system to work with
maximum efficiency, the pollution filter must
be replaced at the specified intervals in the
Maintenance Programme.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due
to use in areas reaching very high pollution
levels, the pollen filter must be changed
more frequently than stated in the Service
Schedule. Air conditioner
When the air conditioning system is switched
on, not only the temperature, but also the air
humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced.
This improves comfort for the vehicle occu-
pants and prevents misting of the windows
when the ambient air humidity is high.
If the air conditioning system cannot be
switched on this may be caused by the fol-
lowing reasons:
● The engine is not running.
● The A/C button is switched off.
● The outside temperature is lower than ap-
proximately +3 °C (+37 °F).
● The air conditioning system compressor
has been temporarily switched off because
the engine coolant temperature is too high.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air
conditioner checked by a specialised work-
shop. CAUTION
● If you suspect that the air conditioner is
damaged, switch it off with the A/C button to
prevent further damage and have it checked
by a specialised workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require spe-
cialist knowledge and special tools. There-
fore, we recommend you to take the vehicle
to a specialised workshop. Note
● If the humidity and temperature outside the
vehicle are high, condensation can drip off
the evaporator in the cooling system and
form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak.
● Keep the air intake slots in front of the
windscreen free of snow, ice and leaves to en-
sure heating and cooling are not impaired,
and to prevent the windows from misting
over.
● The air from the vents flows through the ve-
hicle interior and is extracted by slots de-
signed for this purpose. Therefore, do not
cover these slots with items of clothing or
other objects.
● The air conditioner operates most effective-
ly with the windows and the sliding/tilting
sunroof* closed. However, if the temperature
inside the vehicle is excessive because of the
sun, the air inside can be cooled faster by
opening the windows for a short time.
● Do not smoke while air recirculation mode
is on, as smoke drawn into the air condition-
ing system leaves residue on the evaporator,
producing a permanent unpleasant odour.
● It is advisable to turn on the air condition-
ing at least once a month, to lubricate the
system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a de-
crease in the cooling capacity is detected, a
Technical Service should be consulted to
check the system. 116

Driving
Driving Power steering (servotronic*) Power steering assists the driver by reducing
the force needed to turn the steering wheel.
In cars equipped with servotronic* power
steering the degree of power assistance is
regulated electronically
according to road
s
peed.
The power steering will keep on working even
if

the servotronic* device fails. The degree of
po w
er assistance will, however, no longer
adapt to different speeds. If the electronic
regulating system is not working properly,
this is most noticeable when turning the
steering wheel at low speeds (for instance
when parking), as more effort will be required
than usual. The fault should be corrected by
a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
Power steering does not work if the engine is
off. In this case the steering wheel requires
much more force to turn.
Turning the steering to its limit when the ve-
hicle is stationary will place an excessive
load on the power steering system. Turning
the steering wheel to its limit places a load
on the system, which causes noise. It will al-
so reduce the idling speed of the engine. CAUTION
When the engine is running, do not turn the
steering wheel to its limit for more than 15
seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damag-
ing the power steering. Note
● If the power steering should fail at any time
or the engine is switched off (for instance
when being towed), the vehicle can still be
steered. However, more effort will be required
to turn the steering wheel.
● If the system is leaking or malfunctioning,
please take the car to a specialised workshop
immediately.
● The power steering system requires a spe-
cial hydraulic fluid. The container is located
in the engine compartment (front left). The
correct fluid level in the reservoir is impor-
tant for the power steering to function prop-
erly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at
the Inspection Service. All-wheel drive*
On all-wheel drive models, the engine power
is distributed to all four wheels
General notes
The all-wheel drive system operates com-
pletely automatically. The propulsion force is
distributed among the four wheels and adap-ted to the driving style and the road condi-
tions.
The all-wheel drive is specially designed to
complement the superior engine power. This
combination gives the vehicle exceptional
handling and performance capabilities, both
on normal roads and in more difficult condi-
tions, such as snow and ice.
Winter tyres
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your vehicle will
have plenty of traction in winter conditions,
even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless,
we still recommend that winter tyres or all-
season tyres should be fitted on all four
wheels when winter road conditions are ex-
pected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory,
this also applies to cars with all-wheel drive.
Changing tyres
On vehicles with all-wheel drive, all four tyres
must have the same rolling circumference
››› page 179 . WARNING
● Even with all-wheel drive, you should al-
ways adjust your speed to suit the condi-
tions. Do not let the extra safety features » 117
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

DrivingMessage in the instru-
ment panel displayHow to proceed
Gas operating mode cur-
rently impossible See the
manual!
Check that all conditions
for LPG operating mode
have been met
››› page 118. If so, have
the system checked imme-
diately by a specialised
workshop.
Petrol operating mode cur-
rently impossible. See the
manual!Have the system checked
immediately by a special-
ised workshop. LPG quality and consumption
Quality requirements for LPG are regulated
for all Europe in DIN EN 589 and permit the
use of LPG throughout Europe without any
problems.
LPG is a mixture of propane and butane.
A difference is drawn between winter gas and
summer gas. Winter gas has a higher propor-
tion of propane gas. As a result, the driving
range of winter gas may be lower (due to in-
creased consumption) than that of summer
gas.
The vehicle's engine management adapts au-
tomatically to the LPG used. Therefore, both
types of LPG can be mixed in the tank, with-
out the need for comprehensive draining be-
fore applying a different quality LPG. LPG and safety
If you smell gas or suspect that there is a
leak in the LPG system.
››› ●
Stop the vehicle immediately.
● Switch the ignition off.
● Open all the doors to properly ventilate the
vehicle.
● Extinguish cigarettes immediately.
● Move away from the vehicle or switch off
objects that may cause sparks or a fire.
● If you continue to smell gas, do not contin-
ue driving!
● Seek specialist assistance. Have the fault
repaired. WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable
substance. It may cause severe burns and
other injury.
● Due care must be taken to avoid any risk of
fire or explosion.
● When parking the vehicle in a closed area
(for example in a garage), make sure that
there is adequate ventilation, either natural
or mechanical, to neutralise the LPG in the
event of a leak. WARNING
Failure to act when you can smell gas in the
vehicle or when refuelling can cause serious
injuries.
● Carry out the necessary operations.
● Leave the danger zone.
● If necessary, warn the emergency services. Note
● The LPG system must be subject to regular
inspections at a specialised workshop in ac-
cordance with the Maintenance Plan.
● The engine is always started with petrol,
even when LPG was being used when it was
switched off. For this reason the tank should
never be drained of petrol completely.
● If frequent short journeys are made, espe-
cially when the outside temperature is low,
the vehicle will tend to run on petrol more of-
ten than on LPG. Therefore, the petrol tank
may empty before the LPG tank.
● If while driving the system switches auto-
matically to petrol operating mode because
the LPG tank is almost empty, the next few
times the engine starts up, and depending on
the outside temperature and driving style, it
may automatically switch briefly to LPG oper-
ating mode to use up what is left in the tank.
● When the system automatically switches to
petrol operating mode because the LPG tank
is almost empty, you can revert to gas operat-
ing mode by pressing the ››› Fig. 121 GAS »
119
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driving
WARNING
● The ignition key must NOT be removed from
the lock until the vehicle comes to a stand-
still. Otherwise, the steering could be imme-
diately blocked- Risk of accident!
● Always remove the key from the ignition
when leaving the vehicle, even if only for a
short period. This is especially important if
children or disabled people are left alone in
the vehicle. They could accidentally start the
engine or work electrical equipment such as
the electric windows, resulting in an acci-
dent.
● Unsupervised use of the key could start the
engine or any electrical system, such as the
electric windows. This could result in serious
injury. CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the en-
gine is stopped (ignition key position 2 ).
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents unau-
thorised persons from driving the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates
the electronic immobiliser automatically
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 genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured
if genuine SEAT keys are used. Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depress the clutch pedal thor-
oughly and hold it in this position for the
starter to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting posi-
tion ›››
page 120 .
– Let
go of the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts; the starter motor must not run
on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may
need to slightly press down the accelerator.
When starting a cold engine, it may be a little
noisy for the first few seconds until oil pres-
sure has built up in the hydraulic valve com-
pensators. This is quite normal, and no cause
for concern. If the engine does not start immediately,
switch the starter off after 10 seconds and try
again after half a minute. If the engine still
does not start, the fuel pump fuse should be
checked
››› page 196, Fuses. WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventila-
ted or closed rooms. The exhaust gases con-
tain carbon monoxide, an odourless and col-
ourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal acci-
dents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness and result in death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could
explode or cause the engine to run at high
revs. Risk of injury. CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid
high engine speeds, driving at full throttle
and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine
damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed
more than 50 metres to start the engine. Un-
burnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a ve-
hicle in order to start it, you should first try to
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Note and follow the instructions in
››› page 189, Jump-starting.
» 121
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
engine with the vehicle stationary. Start off
immediately, driving gently. This helps the
engine reach operating temperature faster
and reduces emissions. Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depress the clutch pedal thor-
oughly and hold it in this position for the
starter to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to position ›››
Fig. 122
1 . The warning lamp
 will light for en-
gine pre-heating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition
key to position 2 to start the engine. Do
not press the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts. The starter motor should not
turn at the same time.
When starting a cold engine, it may be a little
noisy for the first few seconds until oil pres-
sure has built up in the hydraulic valve com-
pensators. This is quite normal, and no cause
for concern. If there are problems starting the engine, see
the
››› page 189 .
Glo w p
lug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the bat-
tery, do not use any other major electrical
equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heat-
ing.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug
warning lamp ››› page 41 goes out.
Starting a diesel engine after the fuel tank
has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry,
it may take longer than normal (up to one mi-
nute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling.
This is because the fuel system must elimi-
nate air first. WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventila-
ted or closed rooms. The exhaust gases con-
tain carbon monoxide, an odourless and col-
ourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal acci-
dents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness and result in death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could
explode or cause the engine to run at high
revs. Risk of injury. CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid
high engine speeds, driving at full throttle
and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine
damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed
more than 50 metres to start the engine. Un-
burnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a ve-
hicle in order to start it, you should first try to
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Note and follow the instructions in
››› page 189, Jump-starting. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
engine with the vehicle stationary. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This helps the engine reach operating
temperature faster and reduces emissions. Switching off the engine
–
Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ›››
Fig. 122
0 .
After switching the engine off, the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes. The fan
may also turn on again if coolant temperature
increases from accumulated heat in the
122

Driving
engine compartment or due to its prolonged
exposure to solar radiation. WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the en-
gine is running. With the engine switched off,
more strength is needed to brake. As normal
brake operation cannot be performed, risk of
accidents and serious injury may exist.
● The steering lock can be immediately
blocked once the key is removed from the ig-
nition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of
accident. CAUTION
When the engine has been running under a
heavy load for a long period, heat can accu-
mulate in the engine compartment and cause
engine damage. For this reason, idle the en-
gine for approximately 2 minutes before
switching it off. Braking and parking
Braking capacity and distance The following factors impair braking capacity: New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal per-
formance during the first 400 km; first they
must be “run in”. However, the reduced brak-
ing capacity may be compensated by press-
ing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid
overloading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the
brake pads depends
a great deal on how you drive and the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is operated. Nega-
tive factors are, for instance, city traffic, fre-
quent short trips or hard driving with abrupt
starts and stops.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain,
or after washing the vehicle or driving
through water, the full braking effect can be
delayed by moisture (or in winter by ice) on
the discs and brake pads. In this case the
brakes should be “dried” by pressing the
brake pedal several times.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be
temporarily reduced if the vehicle is driven
for some distance without using the brakes
when there is a lot of salt on the road in win-
ter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake
discs and pads has to wear off before brak-
ing. Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to
form on the discs and dirt to build up on the
brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently
or the brakes are not used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if
rust has formed on the disks, it is advisable
to clean off the pads and disks by braking
firmly a few times at a moderately high speed
››› .
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase
suddenly , this may mean that one of the two
br ak
e circuits has failed. Drive immediately
to the nearest specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly
and remember that you will have to apply
more pressure on the brake pedal and allow
for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if
the brake fluid level is too low. The brake flu-
id level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you
apply to the brake pedal. It works only when
the engine is running. »
123
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety