Operation
Instruments Instrument overview Fig. 26
Detailed view of the dash panel: Dash
panel. Fuel gauge
››› page 33
Multifunction display ››› page 47
Engine coolant temperature display
››› page 34 or natural gas level indicator
in v
ehicles with natural gas engine (LPG)
››› page 33
Rev counter ››› page 32
Time adjustment button / trip recorder re-
set button ››› page 35
Speedometer ››› page 33
1 2
3
4
5
6 Rev counter
The rev counter displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute.
The start of the red area
››› Fig. 26 4 indi-
cates maximum engine speed working at
service temperature. However, it is advisable
to change up into a higher gear, move the se-
lector lever to D or lift your foot off the accel-
erator before the needle reaches the red
zone. CAUTION
To prevent possible engine malfunctions, the
rev counter needle should not reach the red
zone. The start of the red zone on the dial is
different for some engine versions. For the sake of the environment
Changing up into higher gears sooner, follow-
ing the recommended gear indications
››› Fig. 35 will help you to reduce fuel con-
s umption, emi
ssions and also engine noise.32
Dash panel
Speedometer The speedometer is equipped with a digital
odometer and a trip odometer, in addition to
a service intervals display.
During the running-in period, the instructions
shown on
››› page 130 should be followed.
F uel
gauge and reserve indicator Fig. 27
Instrument panel: fuel gauge The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 55 li-
tres.
When the needle reaches the reserve area
››› Fig. 27 (arrow), the warning lamp will light up and an audib
l
e warning will sound
re-
minding the driver to refuel. At this point
there are still 7 litres of fuel in the tank.
The following text appears in the dash panel
display 1)
:
PLEASE REFUEL [XXX]
LPG gauge* 3 Applies to the model: ALTEA / ALTEA XL
Fig. 28
Instrument panel: gas gauge. LPG system filler level display
The LPG tank
››› in the spare wheel well
has a capacity of 39 litres at an outside tem- perature of +15 °C (+59 °F)
››› page 160, Re-
fuelling with LPG .
The c h
arge level can be checked on the ana-
logue gas gauge located on the instrument
panel ››› Fig. 28. When the level reaches re-
serv
e, a notification text is displayed on the
screen. Refill with LPG at the earliest opportu-
nity.
If while driving with LPG a sudden acoustic
warning signal is heard, the on-screen mes-
sage is shown 2)
:
LPG fault, consult Workshop
This means there is a fault in the LPG system.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop to
check the system.
Problem: If the vehicle is left parked for a
long time immedi
ately after refuelling, the
natural gas level indicator may not accurately
indicate the same level shown after refuelling
when the vehicle is started up again. This is
not necessarily due to a leak in the system. WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable
substance. It may cause severe burns and
other injury. »1)
Depending on the version of the model.
2) Depending on the model version
33
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Dash panel
The engine can, however, be started if the
appropriate coded SEAT genuine key is used. Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured
if genuine SEAT keys are used. Digital instrument panel
display
Display (without warning or
information texts) Fig. 33
Detailed view of the instrument panel:
screen with different indicators. The display on the dash panel shows the
mileage and trip odometer as well as the se-
lector lever position.
Digital clock display ››› page 35. On the
right of the display: selector lever posi-
1 tion display for the automatic gearbox*.
The current position of the selector lever
or the gear which is engaged (for tiptron-
ic)* is highlighted.
Outside temperature.
Odometer or flexible service interval dis-
play*.
Displayed categories* Fig. 34
Digital dash panel display. Clock: “Setting the time”. On the right of
the display: selector lever position dis-
play for the automatic gearbox*. The cur-
rent position of the selector lever or the
gear which is engaged (for Tiptronic) is
highlighted.
There are optional and automatic dis-
plays in this field.
2 3
1
2 Optional indicators:
e.g. those on the
multifunction display (MFI).
Automatic indicators: Information and
warning messages.
Menus providing further information and
which can be used to make diverse set-
tings are also shown: “Dash panel me-
nus”.
Outside temperature.
Odometer or flexible service interval dis-
play.
Recommended gear display* Fig. 35
Gear display. Use the gear display to save fuel. If you are
driving in the correct gear, a dot will be
shown next to the gear display. If you are not
in the correct gear, an arrow will appear next
»
–
–
–
3 4
47Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Opening and closing
The set of keys belonging to your vehicle con-
sists of the following items:
● one remote control key ››› Fig. 49 A with
folding key bit,
● one key without remote control B ,
● a plastic key tab* C .
Duplicate keys
If you need a replacement key, go to a Techni-
cal Service with your vehicle identification
number. WARNING
● An incorrect use of the keys can cause seri-
ous injuries.
● Never leave children or disabled persons in
the vehicle. In case of emergency, they may
not be able to leave the vehicle or manage on
their own.
● An uncontrolled use of the key could start
the engine or activate any electric equipment
(e.g. electric windows), causing risk of acci-
dent. The doors can be locked using the re-
mote control key. This could become an ob-
stacle for assistance in an emergency situa-
tion.
● Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. An
unauthorised use of your vehicle could result
in injury, damage or theft. Always take the
key with you when you leave the vehicle.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the steer- ing could suddenly block and it would be im-
possible to steer the vehicle.
CAUTION
There are electronic components in the re-
mote control key. Avoid wetting and hitting
the keys. Radio frequency remote control
Locking and unlocking the vehicle Fig. 50
Assignment of buttons on the remote
control key. Fig. 51
Range of the radio frequency remote
control. The radio frequency remote control key is
used to lock and unlock the vehicle from a
distance.
By using button
4
››› Fig. 50 on the control,
the k ey
shaft is released.
Unlocking the vehicle
››› Fig. 50 1 .
Locking the vehicle
››› Fig. 50 2 .
Unlocking the rear lid. Press button ›››
Fig. 50 3 until all the turn signals on the
vehicle flash briefly. When the unlocking but-
ton
3 is pressed, you have 2 minutes to
open the door. Once this time has passed, it
will lock again.
Moreover, the battery indicator on the key
››› Fig. 50 (arrow), will flash.
The r emot
e control transmitter and the bat-
teries are integrated in the key. The receiver »
67
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
is inside the vehicle. The maximum range de-
pends on different factors. The range is re-
duced as the batteries start to lose power.
Selective unlocking*
When the button
››› Fig. 50 1 , is pressed
once, the driver door is unlocked, all others
remain locked.
Press the button
››› Fig. 50 1 twice to un-
lock all doors. WARNING
Read and observe the relevant warnings ››› in Set of keys on page 67
Note
● The radio frequency remote control can be
programmed by means of pressing the un-
locking button once; as a result, only the
driver door will unlock. When the button is
pressed once more, all doors and the rear lid
will be unlocked.
● The radio frequency remote control func-
tions only when you are in range ››› Fig. 51
(red area).
● If the vehicle is unlocked using the
1 button, it will lock again automatically if any
of the doors or the rear lid are not opened
within 30 seconds after unlocking it. This
function prevents the vehicle from remaining
unlocked if the unlock button is pressed by
mistake. ●
If the vehicle cannot be opened and closed
using the radio frequency remote control, the
remote control key will have to be re-
synchronised ››› page 68. Changing the battery
If the battery indicator does not flash when
the buttons are pushed, the battery must be
replaced.
CAUTION
The use of inappropriate batteries may dam-
age the radio frequency remote control. For
this reason, always replace the dead battery
with another of the same size and power. For the sake of the environment
Used batteries must be disposed of at an ap-
propriate waste facility or through an author-
ised service, given that their components can
affect the environment. Synchronising the remote control key
If it is not possible to unlock or lock the door
with the remote control, it should be re-
synchronised.
– Press the
›››
Fig. 50 button on the re-
mot e c
ontrol. –
Then close the vehicle using the key shaft
within one minute.
It i
s possible that the vehicle could no longer
be opened and closed with the remote con-
trol if the button is repeatedly pressed
outside of the effective range of the radio fre-
quency remote control. The remote control
key will have to be resynchronised.
Spare remote control keys are available at
your Technical Service, where they must be
matched to the locking system.
Up to four remote control keys can be used.
Anti-theft alarm system* Description of anti-theft alarm
system* The anti-theft alarm makes it more difficult to
break into the vehicle or steal it. Audible and
visible alarms are triggered if the vehicle is
opened using the key, or if unauthorised ac-
cess to the vehicle is forced.
The anti-theft alarm system is automatically
switched on when locking the vehicle. The
system is then primed.
● The turn signal light will flash twice on
opening and deactivating the alarm.
68
Operation
detected while driving forward. The optical
display changes to towing mode.
Fault messages If you hear a long beep for a few seconds and
the LED on the switch
* starts flashing
when
you switch on the parking aid, a system
fault has occurred. Contact a SEAT official
service or specialised workshop. Note
If the fault is not corrected before you switch
off the ignition, it will only be indicated by
the flashing LED on the switch the next
time y
ou switch on the parking aid. Cruise speed* (cruise control
system - CCS)
Description The CCS is able to maintain the set speed in
the range from approx. 30 km/h (19 mph) to
180 km/h (112 mph).
Once the speed setting has been saved, you
may take your foot off the accelerator. WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise con-
trol system if it is not possible to drive at con-
stant speed.
● Do not use the cruise control system when
driving in dense traffic, on roads with lots of
bends or on roads with poor conditions (with
ice, slippery surfaces, loose grit or gravel), as
this could cause an accident.
● Always switch the cruise control system off
after using it in order to avoid involuntary
use.
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is
too high for the current road, traffic or weath-
er conditions. Risk of accident. Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant
speed when descending downhill. It will in-
crease due to its own weight. Use the foot
brake to slow the vehicle. Switching the cruise control system
on and off
Fig. 135
Turn signal and main beam head-
light lever: switch and rocker switch for the
cruise control. Switching on the cruise control system
– Push the switch ››› Fig. 135 B to the left to
ON.
Switching off the cruise control system
– Either push the switch B to the right to
OFF or turn the ignition off when the vehicle
is stationary.
When cruise control is on and a speed is pro-
grammed, the indicator on the dash panel
is lit. 1)
If the cruise control system is switched off,
the symbo l
is switched off. The system will 1)
Depending on the model version
142
Advice
Checking the electrolyte level The electrolyte level should be checked regu-
larly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot coun-
tries and in older batteries.
– Open the bonnet and open the battery cov-
er at the front ››› in Safety instructions
on working in the engine compartment on
page 164 ››› in Warnings on handling
the battery on page 173.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye"
on the top of the battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap
the window gently until they disperse.
The position of the battery is shown in the
corresponding engine compartment diagram
››› page 166 .
The “m agic
eye” indicator, located on the top
of the battery changes colour, depending on
the charge state and electrolyte level of the
battery.
There are two different colours:
● Black: correct charge status.
● Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must
be replaced. Contact a specialised workshop. Charging and changing the vehicle
battery The battery is maintenance-free and is
checked during the inspection service. All
work on the vehicle battery requires special-
ist knowledge.
If you often drive short distances or if the ve-
hicle is not driven for long periods, the bat-
tery should be checked by a specialised
workshop between the scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have
problems starting the vehicle, the battery
might be damaged. If this happens, we rec-
ommend you have the vehicle battery
checked by a Technical Service where it will
be re-charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries us-
ing special technology have been installed
and they must be charged in a controlled en-
vironment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the
conditions of its location and has special
safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries meet the mainte-
nance, performance and safety specifications
of your vehicle. WARNING
● We recommend you use only maintenance-
free or cycle free leak-proof batteries which
comply with standards T 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73. This standard applies as of
2001.
● Before starting any work on the batteries,
you must read and observe the warnings
››› in Warnings on handling the battery on
page 173. For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances such as
sulphuric acid and lead. They must be dis-
posed of appropriately and must not be dis-
posed of with ordinary household waste. 174
Wheels
Tyre useful life Fig. 152
Tyre tread wear indicators. Fig. 153
Diagram for changing wheels The useful life of tyres is dependent on tyre
pressure, driving style and fitting.
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have
1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
››› Fig. 152 , running across the tread. De- pendin
g on the m ake, there will be 6 to 8 of
them evenly spaced around the tyre. Mark-
ings on the tyre sidewall (for instance the let-
ters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the po-
sitions of the tread wear indicators. The mini-
mum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm
(measured in the tread grooves next to the
tread wear indicators). Worn tyres must be re-
placed. Different figures may apply in export
countries ››› .
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature
wear and could cause tyre blow-out. For this
reason, the tyre pressure should be checked
at least once per month ››› page 175.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard
braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more
than the rear ones it is advisable to change
them around as shown ››› Fig. 153 . The use-
f u
l life of all the tyres will then be about the
same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced.
However, various factors encountered in nor-
mal driving can cause them to become unbal-
anced, which results in steering vibration. Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as
they otherwise cause excessive wear on
steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive
tyre wear, impairing the safety of the vehicle.
If tyres show excessive wear, you should
have the wheel alignment checked by a Tech-
nical Service.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre
bursts during driving!
● The tyres must be replaced at the latest
when the tread wear indicators are worn
››› page 177. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident. Worn tyres do not
grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There
is also a greater risk of “aquaplaning”.
● At continuously high speeds, a tyre with in-
sufficient pressure flexes more. This causes it
to overheat. This can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Risk of accident. Always
observe the recommended tyre pressures.
● If tyres show excessive wear, you should
have the running gear checked by a Technical
Service.
● Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake
fluid away from tyres.
● Damaged wheels and tyres must be re-
placed immediately! » 177
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety