2015 Seat Altea ignition

Lights and visibility
Switching off the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
››› Fig. 72. Control lamp Bgoes off.
Switching on the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
››› Fig. 72. The control
lamp lights up.
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 mir-
ror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the
interior rear vision mirror will darken auto-
matically according to the amount of light it
r ec
eives. The anti-dazzle function is cancel-
led if reverse gear is engaged. 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 preventing light from reaching the in-
terior 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-daz-
zle function from working well or even from
working at all. Exterior mirrors
Fig. 73
Exterior mirror controls. The exterior mirrors can be adjusted using
the rotary knob in the centre console.
Basic setting of exterior mirrors
1. Turn knob
››› Fig. 73 to position L (left ex-
t erior mirr

or).
2. Turn the rotary knob to position the exteri- or mirror so that you have a good view to
the rear of the vehicle.
3. Turn the knob to position R (right exterior mirror
).
4. Swivel the rotary knob to position the ex- terior mirror so that you have a good view
to the rear of the vehicle ››› .
Heating the exterior mirrors* – Turn the knob forward ››› Fig. 73 so that the
he at

ed rear vision mirrors warm up and the heated windscreen* in the wiper blade rest
area is activated
››› page 84.
– Exterior mirror heating is not activated in
temperatures above approximately +20 °C
(+68 °F).
Folding in exterior mirrors*
– Turn the control ››› Fig. 73 to position  to
fold in the exterior mirrors. You should al-
ways fold in the exterior mirrors if you are
driving through an automatic car wash.
This will help prevent damage.
Folding exterior mirrors with convenience
closing* – The exterior mirror will fold back automati-
cally with convenience closing (with the re-
mote 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 ex-
t

erior mirror).
2. Turn the rotary knob to position the exteri- or mirror so that you have a good view to »
87
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
– Fold the larger seat down and remove the
mobile storage compartment mounting
plate.
Ashtray*, cigarette lighter* and
power sockets Front ashtray* Fig. 95
Ashtray located in the front cup hold-
er. Opening and closing the ashtray
– To open the ashtray, lift the cover ››› Fig. 95 .
– To c
lose, push the cover down.
Emptying the ashtray – Extract the ashtray and empty it. WARNING
Never put paper in the ashtray. Hot ash could
ignite the paper in the ashtray and cause a
fire. Cigarette lighter*
Fig. 96
The cigarette lighter is located in the
power socket of the front centre console. –
Press on the cigarette lighter ››› Fig. 96 to
activ at

e it ››› .
– Wait for the lighter to spring out.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the
cigarette on the glowing 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 in-
side the vehicle. 98

Transport and practical equipment
Power sockets Fig. 97
Power socket, front centre console. Fig. 98
Altea XL/Freetrack model: power
socket in boot. Electrical accessories may be connected to
the 12 volt power socket in the front centre
console
››› Fig. 97 and in the luggage com-
p ar
tment*. The appliances connected to each
power point must not exceed a power rating
of 120 Watt. WARNING
The power sockets and the connected acces-
sories 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 vehicle. Note
● The use of electrical appliances with the
engine switched off will cause a battery dis-
charge.
● Before using any electrical accessories, see
the instructions in ››› page 147. Auxiliary audio input (AUX-IN)*
Fig. 99
Auxiliary audio connection. –
Lift the AUX cover ››› Fig. 99 . –
Inser
t the plug as far as possible (see Ra-
dio manual).
AUX RSE connection* Fig. 100
AUX RSE connection. This connector may be used as an audio in-
put (red and white connectors) or audio and
video connector (red, white and yellow con-
nectors). For more details about the use of
this audio and video source, see the RSE
manual.
99
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

Operation
button while driving slowly and with low ac-
celeration. This procedure can be repeated
several times while driving carefully until all
the LPG left in the tank has been used up.
● Vehicles that display information or warn-
ing messages on the dash panel may show
information related to LPG operation.
● The notification LPG mode not possible may
be displayed. Journeys abroad
To drive abroad, the following must be taken
into consideration:
● For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
ensure that unleaded petrol is available for
the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Au-
tomobile organisations will have information
about service station networks selling unlea-
ded fuel.
● In some countries, your vehicle model may
not be available, and therefore some spare
parts may not available or technical services
can only carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly
provide information about the technical prep-
aration that your vehicle requires and also
about necessary maintenance and repair
possibilities. Adhesive strips for headlights
If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle
in a left-hand drive country, or vice versa, the
asymmetric dipped beam headlights will daz-
zle oncoming traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers
to certain parts of the headlight lenses. Fur-
ther information is available at any Technical
Service.
In vehicles with adaptive headlights, the ro-
tation system must previously be disconnec-
ted. To do this, please go to a specialised
workshop.
Ignition lock
Ignition key positions Fig. 122
Ignition key positions. Ignition switched off, steering lock
0 In this position
››› Fig. 122, the ignition and
the engine are OFF and the steering may be
locked.
For the Steering lock
to operate without the
ignition k
ey, turn the steering wheel until it
locks with an audible sound. You should al-
ways lock the steering 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 re-
lease 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 to release it.
Starting 2 The engine is started when the key is in this
position. Electrical devices with high power
consumption are switched off temporarily at
the same time.
Each time that the vehicle is restarted, the ig-
nition key must be turned to position
0 . The
repetitive start prevention lock of the igni-
tion prevents possible damage to the starter
motor if the engine is already running.
120

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
●
If the handbrake is only partially released,
this will cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehicle. Put it in 1st gear as well. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
plied when the vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you
leave the vehicle ››› .Additional notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll.
●
If the vehicle is parked facing downhill,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn
the fr ont
wheels so that they point away from
the kerb
.
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
handbrake firmly and putting it in 1st gear. WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system
could ignite inflammable materials, such as
dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in
the vehicle when it is locked. They would be
unable to open the vehicle from the inside,
and could become trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. In the event of an emergency,
locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle
occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle.
They could set the vehicle in motion, for ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever. ●
Depending on weather conditions, it may
become extremely hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
The hill driving assistant helps the driver to
move off and upward on a hill without rolling
backward.
The system maintains brake pressure for ap-
proximately 2 seconds after the driver takes
his foot off the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling backward when starting off.
During these 2 seconds, the driver has
enough time to release the clutch pedal and
accelerate without the vehicle moving and
without having to use the handbrake, making
starting off easier, more comfortable and saf-
er.
These are the basic operation conditions:
● being on a ramp or hill/slope,
● closed doors,
● vehicle completely stationary,
● engine running and foot on the brake,
● besides having a gear engaged or being in
neutral for manual gear change and with the
selector lever at position S,
D
or R for an au-
tomatic gearbox. »
125
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety