2015 Seat Altea fuel pressure

Dash panel
● Coolant symbol  with the warning mes-
s ag
e STOP SEE COOLANT INSTRUCTION MAN-
UAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol  with the
warnin

g message STOP ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
Warning messages, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the correspond-
ing warning lamp lights up and is accompa-
nied by an audible warning. Check the corre-
sponding function as soon as possible al-
though the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are de-
tected at the same time, the symbols are dis-
played one after the other for about 2 sec-
onds at a time. After a set time, the informa-
tion text will disappear and the symbol will
be shown as a reminder at the side of the
display.
Priority 2 warning messages will not be
shown until all Priority 1 warning messages
have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages
(yellow): 1)
● Fuel warning light with the information text
PLEASE REFUEL . ●
Windscreen washer fluid symbol  with the
inform

ation text REFILL WINDSCREEN WASHER
FLUID. Top up the washer fluid level.
Information messages displayed on
the screen*
Messages a)Description
SERVICEThe service interval has ended. Take
the vehicle to a Technical Service.
IMMOBILISERImmobiliser system active. The vehicle
will not start. Take the vehicle to a
Technical Service.
ERRORInstrument panel faulty. Take the vehi-
cle to a Technical Service.
CLEAN AIR FIL-
TERWarning: The air filter must be cleaned
NO KEYWarning: Correct key cannot be found
in the vehicle.
KEY BATTERYWarning: Key battery low. Change the
battery.
CLUTCHWarning: Press the clutch to start. In
vehicles with manual gearbox and
Start-Stop system.
--> P/NWarning: Place the selector level in po-
sition P/N to start. Only in vehicles
with automatic gearbox.
Messages a)Description
--> PWarning: Place the selector lever in po-
sition P to stop the engine.
STARTINGWarning: The engine starts automati-
cally. Start-Stop system activated.
START MAN-
UALLYWarning: The engine must be started
manually. Start-Stop system activated
ERROR START- STOPWarning: Start-Stop system error.
START-STOP
IMPOSSIBLEWarning: Although the Start-Stop sys-
tem is switched on, the engine cannot
be stopped automatically. Not all the
necessary conditions are met
START-STOP ACTIVEWarning: Start-Stop system activated.
Vehicle in Stop mode.
SWITCH OFFWarning: Start-Stop system activated.
Switch off the ignition when you leave
the vehicle.
STOP TRANS-
MISSION TOO HOTWarning: Stop the engine. Gearbox
overheated.
BRAKEWarning: To start the engine, press the
brake pedal. Only in vehicles with au-
tomatic gearbox.
COASTINGFUNCTIONWarning: Coasting mode active. Trans-
mission engaged. Only in vehicles with
automatic gearbox.
» 1)
Depending on the version of the model.
39
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Dash panel
Tyre pressure  Fig. 32
Centre console: tyre monitoring sys-
tem button. The tyre pressure monitoring system controls
tyre speed and the frequency spectrum of
each tyre.
The tyre monitoring lamp
1)
compares wheel
revolutions and with it, using the ESC, the
wheel diameter of each wheel. If the diame-
ter of a wheel changes, the tyre control lamp
 lights up. The wheel diameter changes
when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● The tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a
load. ●
The wheels of one axle are under more
pressure (for example, driving with a trailer or
on steep slopes).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
● The temporary spare wheel is fitted.
● The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or
after changing one or more wheels, the but-
ton ››› Fig. 32 must be pressed down while
the ignition i s
on until an audible warning is
heard and the warning lamp goes out.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for ex-
ample, driving with a trailer or heavy load),
tyre pressure must be increased to the rec-
ommended value for a full load (see the
sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the
tyre monitor system button is pressed down,
the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure control lamp  lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is
much lower than the value set by the driver,
the tyre control warning lamp lights up ››› .The tyre pressure control lamp
 flashes
If the ty

re pressure control lamp flashes, this
indicates a fault. Go to the nearest special-
ised workshop. WARNING
● When the tyre pressure monitoring lamp
lights up, reduce speed immediately and
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking.
Stop when possible, and check the tyre pres-
sure and status.
● The driver is responsible for maintaining
correct tyre pressures. For this reason, tyre
pressure must be regularly checked.
● Under certain circumstances (e.g. when
driving in a sporty manner, in winter condi-
tions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitoring
lamp may light up or function incorrectly. Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow
warning lamp  lights up after turning the
ignition on.

This should turn off after a brief
journey. 1)
Depending on the model version
43
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Brake system*  Situations in which the warning lamp lights
up 
● the br ak
e fluid level is too low
››› page 172.
The ins

trument panel displays the following
message 1)
: STOP BRAKE FLUID INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
The instrument panel displays the following
message 1)
: BRAKE SYSTEM FAULT INSTRUC-
TION MANUAL .
This warning lamp can light up together with
the ABS system warning lamp. WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnings on ››› page 163.
● If the brake warning lamp does not go out,
or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ››› page 172, Brake fluid
is too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle
and do not drive on. Obtain technical assis-
tance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up  to-
gether with the ABS lamp  this could be
due to an ABS fault. This could cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This
could cause the rear to break away. Risk of
skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
Handbrake 
This lamp lights up when the handbrake is
applied.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with
the handbrake on, the following message will
appear on the instrument panel display
1)
:
HANDBRAKE ON. You will also hear an acous-
tic warning signal ››› page 123.
Bulb defect*  The  warning lamp lights up when there is
a fault in the turn signals, headlights, side
lights and fog lights, e.g. in the left head-
light.
The instrument panel displays the following
message
1)
: LEFT FULL BEAM FAULTY .Engine oil pressure
 If this warning lamp is red it indicates that
the engine oil pressure is too low.
If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is
accompanied by three
audible warnings,
switch off the engine and check the oil level.
If necessary, add more oil ››› page 166.
The instrument panel displays the following
message 1)
: STOP ENGINE OIL PRESSURE IN-
S TRUCTION MANU

AL.
If the warning lamp flashes although the oil
level is correct, stop driving. Do not even run
the en gine at

idle speed! Obtain technical as-
sistance.
Checking the oil level 
If the warning lamp is yellow  the engine
oil level should be checked as soon as possi-
ble. Top up the oil ›››
page 168 at the next
opportunity.
Oil level sensor faulty* 
If the  yellow warning lamp flashes, take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have
the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is
advisable to check the oil level every time
you refuel. 1)
Depending on the version of the model.
44

Dash panel
●
In LongLife Service vehicles, if the battery
is disconnected for a long period, the days re-
maining until the next service cannot be cal-
culated. Therefore, the service message dis-
plays on the instrument panel may be incor-
rect. Take into account the maximum author-
ised service intervals. Warning or information message in
the display
The system runs a check on certain compo-
nents and functions when the ignition is
switched on and while the vehicle is moving.
Functional faults are indicated by symbols
with warning or information messages in the
display. An audible warning is given in cer-
tain cases.
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1)
and yellow warning symbols (priority 2).
Information text
In addition to warning messages given on a
fault, you will receive information in the dis-
play on procedures or will be asked to carry
out certain tasks. Note
In the case of screens without warning or in-
formation messages, faults are indicated ex-
clusively by the control lamps. Warning messages, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning
lamp will light up or flash and will be accom-
panied by
three audible warnings. This is a
danger warning. Stop the vehicle and switch
off the en
gine. Check the fault and correct it.
Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the
same time, the symbols will be displayed one
after the other for about 2 seconds at a time
and will continue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the
duration of a priority 1 warning message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages
(red)
● Brake system symbol  with the warning
message STOP BRAKE FLUID INSTRUCTION
MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION
MANUAL . ●
Coolant symbol  with the warning mes-
s ag

e STOP SEE COOLANT INSTRUCTION MAN-
UAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol  with the
warnin

g message STOP ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
Warning messages, Priority 2 (yellow) If one of these faults occurs, the correspond-
ing warning lamp lights up and is accompa-
nied by
an audible warning. The function
should be checked as soon as possible.
If several priority 2 warning messages are de-
tected at the same time, the symbols are dis-
played one after the other for about 2 sec-
onds at a time. After a set time, the informa-
tion text will disappear and the symbol will
be shown as a reminder at the side of the
display.
Priority 2 warning messages will not be
shown until all Priority 1 warning messages
have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages
(yellow): 1)
● Fuel warning light with the information text
PLEASE REFUEL .
»1)
Depending on the version of the model.
49
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

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

Driving
Some tips on how to help you reduce pollu-
tion while saving money are listed below.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating.
When you anticipate situations, you have to
brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If
it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a gear
engaged , for example, if you see a red light
ahe a
d. The braking effect achieved in this
way helps to reduce the wear of brakes and
tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced to zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change
up
quickly through the gears. Running the
engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an unnecessary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. We recommend
that, whenever possible, you change to a
higher gear upon reaching 2000 rpm. Follow
the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ››› page 47.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed
permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in- crease very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine
when waiting in a traffic jam, at level cross-
ings or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is
greater than the amount of fuel needed to re-
start the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that,
before beginning a journey, you will not con-
sume more than the required amount of fuel.
A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit
of
improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale val-
ue.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to
10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of
polluting exhaust gases, the engine and the exhaust gas filtration systems should reach
the optimum operating temperature.
With the en

gine cold, fuel consumption is
proportionally higher. The engine does not
warm up and fuel consumption does not nor-
malise until having driven approximately four
kilometres. This is why we recommend avoid-
ing short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an ad-
equate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pres-
sure is just one bar (14.5 psi / 100 kPa) too
low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resist-
ance, under-inflation also increases tyre wear
and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyres are cold.
Do not u

se winter tyres
all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight
will in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake
of convenience, even when it is no longer
needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) »
133
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
and 120 km/h (75 mph) your vehicle will use
about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra
wind resistance caused by the roof rack even
when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which
produces electricity. With the need for elec-
tricity, fuel consumption is also increased.
Because of this, always turn off electrical de-
vices when you do not need them. Examples
of devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
fan at high speeds, the rear window heating
or the seat heaters*. Note
● If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended t o sw
itch this function off.
● It is recommended to close the windows
when driving at more than 60 km/h
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal,, as the pressure can make the
pl

ate spin, more fuel will be used and it can
burn the clutch plate lining, causing a serious
fault.
● Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutch, use the foot brake or hand brake, us-
ing the latter to start. The fuel consumption
will be lower and you will prevent the clutch
plate from being damaged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, chang-
ing to the gear that is more suitable for the slope. Fuel consumption will be “zero” and
the brakes will not suffer.
Driver assistance systems
Braking and stability systems Electronic Stability Control (ESC)* Fig. 131
Detailed view of the centre console:
ESC switch. This Electronic Stability System reduces the
risk of skidding and improves the vehicle's
stability and ability to hold the road.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) includes the
electronic differential lock (EDL), the traction
control system (TCS), the brake assist system
(BAS) and the trailer stabilisation programme
(TSP). The ESC works together with the ABS.
Both control lamps will light up if the ESC or
ABS systems are faulty.
The ESC system is started automatically
when the engine is started.
134

Towing bracket device
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissi-
ble pressure shown on the sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pres-
sure of the trailer tyres in accordance with the
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the
road behind the trailer with the standard rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors
to give sufficient vision to the rear. WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could
result in fatal accidents. Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. We recommend additional
services between the normal inspection inter-
vals if the vehicle is used frequently for tow-
ing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply
to towing a trailer in your country. Ball coupling of towing bracket*
Depending on the model version, the spheri-
cal head on the trailer hook may be stored in
the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with instruc-
tions on fitting and removing the ball cou-
pling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be
stored securely in the luggage compartment
to prevent them being flung through the vehi-
cle and causing injury. Note
● By law, the ball coupling must be removed
if a trailer is not being towed if it obscures
the number plate. Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra
care.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer
with an unladen vehicle is very unfavourable.
However, if this cannot be avoided, drive ex-
tra slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight
distribution.Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is re-
duced with increasing speed. For this reason,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum
permissible speed in an unfavourable road,
weather or wind conditions. This applies es-
pecially when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately
if the trailer shows the slightest sign of
snak-
ing . Never try to stop the “snaking” by in-
c r
easing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has
an
overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at
first and then, firmly. This will prevent the
jerking that can be caused by locking of trail-
er wheels. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This en-
ables you to use the engine braking to slow
down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during pro-
longed slopes, driving in a low gear and high
engine speed, always monitor the coolant
temperature gauge ››› page 31.
Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC* system helps to stabilise the trailer
in case of skidding or rocking.
145
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety