Seat Altea Freetrack. Service Manual

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150

Seats and stowage

cated in the assembly manual. Not following these instructions may lead to

marks on the longitudinal bars.

• Distribute the load evenly. A maximum load of 40 kg only is permitted for

each roof carrier system support bar, the load must be distributed evenly over

the entire length. However, the maximum load permitted for the entire roof

(including the support system) of 75 kg must not be exceeded nor should the

total weight of the vehicle be exceeded. See the chapter on “Technical Data”.

• When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof, any change in the

normal vehicle behaviour due to a change in the centre of gravity or an

increased wind resistance must be taken into account. For this reason, a suit-

able speed and driving style must be used.

• For those vehicles fitted with a sunroof*, ensure that it does not interfere

with the load on the roof carrier system when opened.

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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

151

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

Heating and ventilation

Controls and equipment

Fig. 128 On the dash panel: Heater controls

- Using the controls ⇒ fig. 128 and and the control you

Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is

can set the temperature, air distribution and the turbine speed.

only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.

Rear window heating 

- To switch a function on or off, press the appropriate button

. When the function is activated, the display window in the

This function

will be switched off automatically approximately 20 minutes

after being switched on. It can also be switched off beforehand by pushing

lower left of the button is lit.

the button

Temperature

Air recirculation mode 

With the regulator

the heating level is determined. The required tempera-

Air recirculation mode

prevents strong odours in the outside air from

ture inside the vehicle cannot be lower than the ambient temperature.

entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in

queuing traffic ⇒

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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152

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

With low temperatures outside, the air recirculation increases the effective-

ness of the heating system by heating the air inside the passenger compart-

ment rather than the air from outside.

Air distribution

Control

for setting the flow of air in the required direction.

 - Air distribution towards the windscreen. Air recirculation is, for safety

reasons, not possible in this position.

 - Air distribution to the upper body.

 - Air distribution to footwell

 - Air distribution to the windscreen and the foot well.

Blower

The air flow can be set at four speeds with the control . The air flow should

always be set at the lowest speed when driving slowly.

WARNING

• For road safety all windows must be clear of ice, snow, and condensa-

tion. 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 windscreens.

• In air recirculation mode, no ambient air enters the vehicle interior. The

windows can quickly fog over if the heating is switched off. Therefore, you

should never leave the air recirculation mode switched on for longer

periods, as this increases the risk of an accident.

Note

Please observe the general notes ⇒ page 160.

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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

153

Climatic*

Control switches

Fig. 129 On the dash panel: Climatic controls

The climatic or semi-automatic air conditioning system only works

Button



- Rear window heating. The heating will be switched off auto-

when the engine is running and the turbine is switched on.

matically approximately 20 minutes after switching on. It can also be

switched off beforehand by pushing the button.

- Using the controls ⇒ fig. 129 and and the control you

Button



- Air recirculation mode ⇒ page 155

can set the temperature, air distribution and the turbine speed.

Air distribution control ⇒ page 154

Blower switch. There are four speed settings for the air flow. The air flow

- To switch a function on or off, press the appropriate button

should always be set at the lowest speed when driving slowly.

or . When the function is activated, the display window in

the lower corner of the button is lit.

WARNING

Temperature selector ⇒ page 154

For road safety all windows must be clear of ice, snow, and condensation.

Button

- Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system on/off

This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise yourself with

⇒ page 154

the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, including the

anti-fog/defrost functions for the windscreens.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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154

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

Note

Please observe the general notes ⇒ page 160.

Heating and cooling the interior

Fig. 130 On the dash panel: Climatic controls

Heating of the vehicle interior

Cooling the passenger compartment

- Turn the temperature selector ⇒ fig. 130

clockwise to select

- Switch on the air conditioning using the button ⇒ page 153,

the required temperature.

fig. 129

- Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4.

– Turn the temperature selector anti-clockwise until the desired

cooling output is reached.

- Set the air distribution control to the air flow configuration

desired:



(towards the windscreen),



(towards the chest),

– Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4.



(towards the foot rest) and



(towards the windscreen and

foot rest areas).

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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

155

– Use the air distribution control to guide the flow of air in the

comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows when

required direction:



(to the windscreen),



(to the upper

the ambient air humidity is high.

body),



(to the foot well) and



(to the windscreen and to the

If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on this may be caused by

foot well).

the following reasons:

• The engine may not be running.

Heating

• The blower is switched off.

Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is

• The ambient air temperature is lower than +3°C.

only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.

• The air conditioning system compressor has been temporarily switched

Air conditioner

off because the engine coolant temperature is too high.

When the air conditioning system is switched on, not only the temperature,

• The air conditioning fuse is faulty.

but also the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves

• Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioning checked by a qual-

ified workshop.

Air recirculation mode



Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells from entering the vehicle.

Fig. 131 On the dash panel: Climatic controls

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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156

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

Air recirculation mode ⇒ page 155, fig. 131



prevents strong odours in

For reasons of safety, air recirculation is not possible when the control for air

the outside air from entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing

distribution is set to the windscreen setting .

through a tunnel or in queuing traffic.

With low temperatures outside, the air recirculation increases the effective-

WARNING

ness of the heating system by warming the air inside the passenger compart-

In air recirculation mode, no ambient air enters the vehicle interior. If the

ment rather than the cold air from outside.

air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can quickly mist over.

With high ambient temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-

Therefore, you should never leave the air recirculation mode switched on

ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the passenger

for longer periods, as this increases the risk of an accident.

compartment rather than the ambient air.

2C-Climatronic*

Control switches

The controls allow separate adjustment of air conditioning settings for the left and right.

Fig. 132 On the dash panel: 2C Climatronic controls

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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

157

The air conditioning system only works when the engine is running

Blower control ⇒ page 158

and the blower is switched on.

Button

OFF

- Switches the 2C-Climatronic on and off ⇒ page 158

Button

AUTO

- Automatic temperature, ventilation and air distribution

– Press the temperature control buttons ⇒ page 156, fig. 132

control ⇒ page 157

in order to adjust the temperature on the left hand side or

Button

ECON

- Switches heating, ventilation and air-conditioning

the right hand side respectively.

system off

Temperature selector for the right side ⇒ page 157

- The functions will be switched on when the buttons are pressed.

When these functions are activated, they are indicated in the

display. Also, the de-icing and rear heated window functions will

WARNING

turn on along with their corresponding yellow symbol. Press the

For road safety all windows must be clear of ice, snow, and condensation.

button again to switch off the function.

This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise yourself with

the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, including the

The temperature can be adjusted separately for the left and right sides of the

anti-fog/defrost functions for the windscreens.

vehicle interior.

Display of the selected interior temperature for the left side.

Note

Button



- Manual air recirculation mode.

Please observe the general notes ⇒ page 160.

Button



- Central air distribution

Button



- Downward air distribution

Button



- Upward air distribution

Display of the selected interior temperature for the right side.

Automatic mode

Button



- defrost function for the windscreen. The air drawn in from

In automatic mode air temperature, air flow and distribution

outside the vehicle is directed at the windscreen. The air recirculation

are automatically regulated so that a specified temperature is

mode, if switched on, will be switched off as soon as the defrost function

is switched on. At temperatures over 3°C, the air conditioning system will

attained as quickly as possible and then maintained.

be switched on automatically and the blower speed will be increased by

one level in order to dry the air. The button lights up yellow and the

The temperature can be adjusted separately for the left and right

symbol appears in the display.

sides of the vehicle interior.

Button



- Rear window heating. The heating will be switched off auto-

matically approximately 20 minutes after switching on. However, it may

Switching on automatic mode

be turned off by pushing the button. The button lights up yellow and the

- Press the button

AUTO

⇒ page 156, fig. 132. “AUTO” is shown

symbol appears in the display.

on the display.

Temperature selector for the left side ⇒ page 157

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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158

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

– Press the temperature selectors to set the desired temperatures

Climatronic maintains a constant temperature level fully automatically. The

for the left and right sides of the interior. We recommend 22°C

temperature of the air supplied to the interior, the blower speed and the air

(72°F).

distribution are regulated automatically. The system also allows for the effect

of strong sunlight, so there is no need for manual adjustment. Therefore,

automatic mode provides the best comfort for the vehicle occupants in virtu-

A comfortable interior climate is quickly reached when a temperature of

ally all conditions throughout the year.

+22°C (72°F) is set in automatic mode. It can be changed as necessary to suit

individual preferences or particular circumstances. It is possible to select

Automatic mode is switched off whenever an adjustment is made using the

interior temperatures from +16°C (61°F) to +29.5°C (86°F). These are approx-

buttons for the air distribution, air flow or

ECON

. The temperature will

imate temperatures and the actual temperature may be slightly higher or

continue to be regulated within the parameters manually selected by the

lower depending on the ambient conditions.

user.

Manual mode

In manual mode you can adjust the air temperature, air flow and distribution as required.

Fig. 133 On the dash panel: 2C Climatronic controls

Switching on manual mode

ECON

or press the air flow control 10. The symbol

AUTO

will

disappear from the display.

– To enter manual mode, press one of the buttons ⇒ fig. 133 to

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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

159

Temperature

Air recirculation mode

There are separate temperature selectors for the left and right sides of the

vehicle interior. The selected temperature is displayed above the selector. It

Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells

is possible to select interior temperatures from +16°C (61°F) to +29.5°C

from entering the vehicle.

(86°F). These are approximate temperatures and the actual temperature may

be slightly higher or lower depending on the ambient conditions.

- Press the button



⇒ page 158, fig. 133 to switch air recir-

culation mode on or off. It is switched on if the following symbol

If a temperature below 16°C (61°F) is selected, the display switches to LO. In

appears in the display .

this setting the system runs at maximum cooling output and the temperature

is not regulated.

Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from

If a temperature above 29.5°C (86°F) is selected the display switches to HI. In

entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in

this setting the system runs at maximum heating output and the temperature

queuing traffic.

is not regulated.

With low temperatures outside, the air recirculation increases the effective-

Blower

ness of the heating system by heating the air inside the passenger compart-

The air flow may be adjusted freely using the control 10. Always have the

ment rather than the air from outside.

blower running at a low setting to ensure a constant flow of fresh air into the

With high ambient temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-

vehicle. Pushing the button  to the minimum -1, turns the Climatronic off.

ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the passenger

Air distribution

compartment rather than the ambient air.

The air distribution is adjusted using the buttons





and  . It is also

For reasons of safety, air recirculation is not possible when the control for air

possible to open and close some of the air vents separately.

distribution is set to the windscreen setting .

Switching the air conditioning system on and off

Pressing the button

ECON

switches off the air conditioning system to save

WARNING

fuel. The temperature continues to be regulated. The set temperature can

In air recirculation mode, no ambient air enters the vehicle interior. If the

then only be reached if it is higher than the ambient temperature.

air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can quickly mist over.

Therefore, you should never leave the air recirculation mode switched on

for longer periods, as this increases the risk of an accident.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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160

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning

• The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows

General notes

and the sliding/tilting roof* closed. However, if the sun has heated up the

vehicle, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the windows for

The pollen filter

a short period.

The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and active carbon filter)

• Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the

serves as a barrier against impurities in the ambient air, including dust and

air conditioning system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a

pollen.

permanent unpleasant odour.

For the air conditioning system to work with maximum efficiency, the pollen

• It is advisable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to

filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.

lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling

capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to

If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high

check the system.

levels of air pollution, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than

stated in the Service Schedule.

Caution

• If you suspect that the air conditioning is damaged, switch off the air

conditioning with button

ECON

to prevent further damage and have it

checked by a qualified workshop.

• Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and

special tools. Therefore, we recommend that you take the vehicle to a quali-

fied workshop should problems occur.

Note

• If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensa-

tion can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool under-

neath the vehicle, this is completely normal and there is no need to suspect

a leak.

• Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and

leaves to ensure heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the

windows misting over.

• The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and is

extracted by slots designed for this purpose. Do not cover these slots with

articles of clothing or other objects.

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Driving

161

Driving

Address

Adjusting the steering wheel position

The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely

adjusted to suit the driver.

Fig. 135 Proper sitting

position for driver

- Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.

- Push the lever under the steering column ⇒ fig. 134 down

⇒

Fig. 134 Adjusting the

– Adjust the steering wheel in this way until the correct position is

steering wheel position

set ⇒ fig. 135.

- Then push the lever up again firmly ⇒

WARNING

• Incorrect use of the steering column adjustment function and an incor-

rect seating position can result in serious injury.

• To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only when

the vehicle is stationary. Risk of accident.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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162

Driving

WARNING (continued)

Safety

• Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at

least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your breast bone ⇒ page 161,

Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*

fig. 135. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not

protect you. Risk of fatal injury.

ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.

• If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the

minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The

Authorised Service Centre will help you decide if special specific modifica-

tions are necessary.

• If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face, the

driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make

sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.

• When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the

outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the

steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in

the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases,

you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.

Fig. 136 Detail of the

centre console: ESP

button

The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) contains the electronic differential

lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works in

conjunction with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS

systems are faulty.

The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.

In specific circumstances where you require less traction, you can switch off

the ESP by pressing button ⇒ fig. 136



For example:

• When driving with snow chains,

• when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,

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Driving

163

• when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for

Ignition lock

example.

You should press the button to switch the ESP back on when you no longer

Position of the ignition key

need wheel spin.

The TCS and EDL are also switched off if the ESP is switched off. That is to say,

these systems are not available while ESP is not activated.

When does the

button light up or flash?



• It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out again after

about 2 seconds.

• It will start flashing to indicate that ESP is counteracting an unstable

driving condition.

• It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.

• It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.

WARNING

Fig. 137 Ignition key

positions

• The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) cannot defy the laws of

physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet

Ignition switched off, steering lock

roads and when towing a trailer.

In the position ⇒ fig. 137 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the

• Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and

steering may be locked.

the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you

into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.

For the Steering lock to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering

• Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒ page 181,

wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the

“Intelligent technology”.

steering wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent theft of the

vehicle ⇒

Switching on the ignition or glow plug system

Turn the ignition key to this position and let go of the key. If the key cannot be

turned or is difficult to turn from position

to position

, move the

steering wheel (to take the load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key

turns freely.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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164

Driving

Starting

Electronic immobiliser

The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components

with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.

The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving

the vehicle.

Each time that the vehicle must be started, the ignition key must be turned to

the position . The repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents0

Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-

possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.

matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.

The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the

WARNING

key out of the ignition lock.

• Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition

The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct

key from the lock. The steering lock could be activated immediately - Risk

code.

of accident!

• Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle,

Note

even if you only intend to be gone for a short period. This is especially

important if you must leave children or disabled people in the vehicle, they

The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT

could accidentally start the engine or work electrical equipment such as

key.

the windows possibly resulting in an accident.

• Unsupervised use of the keys could result in the engine being started

or electrical systems, such as the electric windows, being used. This can

result in serious injury.

Starting and stopping the engine

Caution

Starting petrol engines

The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key

The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with

position

the correct code.

- Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the

clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then

only have to turn the engine.

– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ page 163 to start the engine.

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Driving

165

– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter

For the sake of the environment

motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.

Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.

You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine

After starting a very hot engine, you may need to press the accelerator briefly.

reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.

When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few

seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.

This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.

Starting diesel engines

If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about

10 seconds and try again after about half a minute. If the engine still does not

The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with

start, the fuel pump fuse should be checked ⇒ page 252, “Fuses”.

the correct code.

- Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the

WARNING

clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then

• Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The

only have to turn the engine.

exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless

poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of

- Turn the ignition key to the starting position.

consciousness. It can also cause death.

• Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.

- Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ page 163, fig. 137 . The

• Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine

indication lamp  will light for engine pre-heating.

to run at high revs. Risk of injury.

- When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position

start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.

Caution

– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter

• When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at

full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.

motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.

• The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately

50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and

When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few

seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.

damage it.

This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.

• Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first

try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-

If there are problems starting the engine, see ⇒ page 268.

tions ⇒ page 268, “Jump-starting”.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

Seat Altea Freetrack. Service Manual - part 10