Content .. 9 10 11 12 ..

Seat Altea Freetrack. Service Manual - part 11

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166

Driving

Glow plug system for the diesel engine

For the sake of the environment

To avoid unnecessary load on the battery, do not use any other major elec-

trical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.

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

Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp ⇒ page 81 goes out.

reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.

Starting the 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 minute) to start the engine after refuelling with diesel fuel. This is

Switching off the engine

because the system must eliminate air first.

- Stopping the engine.

WARNING

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

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

exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless

After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10

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

minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. It is also possible that it will turn

consciousness. It can also cause death.

itself on once more if the temperature of the coolant increases due to the

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

elimination of built up heat in the engine compartment or if this is heated due

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

to prolonged exposure to the heat of the sun.

to run at high revs. Risk of injury.

WARNING

Caution

• Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.

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

• The brake servo works only when the engine is running. You will need

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

more strength to brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. As you

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

cannot brake in the normal manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and

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

serious injury.

damage it.

• The steering lock can engage immediately when the key is removed

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

from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.

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

tions ⇒ page 268, “Jump-starting”.

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Driving

167

Caution

If the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-

heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage. For this reason, you

should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.

Manual gearbox

Fig. 139 Detail of the

Driving a car with a manual gearbox

centre console: gear shift

pattern of a 6-speed

manual gearbox

Selecting the reverse gear

- The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the

clutch right down.

- Place the gear lever into neutral gate and push the lever all the

way down.

- Slide the gearstick to the left, and then into the reverse position

Fig. 138 Detail of the

shown on the gearstick.

centre console: gear shift

pattern of a 5-speed

manual gearbox

The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When

the engine is running, before engaging this gear wait about 6 seconds with

the clutch pressed in fully in order to protect the gearbox.

The reversing lights come on when the reverse gear is selected and the igni-

tion is on.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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168

Driving

Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic

WARNING

gearbox*

• When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a

gear is engaged and the clutch released.

• Never select the reverse gear when the vehicle is in motion. Risk of acci-

Selector lever positions

dent.

Note

• Do not rest your hand on the gear lever when driving. The pressure of your

hand could cause premature wear on the selector forks in the gearbox.

• When changing gear, you should always depress the clutch fully to avoid

unnecessary wear and damage.

• Do not hold the car “on the clutch” on hills. This causes premature wear

and damage to the clutch.

Fig. 140 Central console:

selector lever for auto-

matic gearbox / direct

shift gearbox DSG

Selector lever positions indicated on the cover

P Parking position (lever locked).

R Reverse position.

N Neutral position (lever locked). This position is similar to the neutral

position for manual gearboxes).

D Drive position (economic driving programme).

S Sports driving position.

+/- Tiptronic driving position (this programme is similar to the operation of

a manual gearbox).

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Driving

169

Driving programmes

the full power of the engine. This programme is not recommended for use on

the motorway or in the city.

The automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox has three

Selecting the manual programme (tiptronic)

programmes.

This programme allows driving similar to a manual gearbox.

You can access this program from the gear stick or from the paddles on the

steering wheel, if this option exists ⇒ page 172.

Selector lever locking

The selector lever lock prevents gears from being engaged

inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.

Fig. 141 Program selec-

tion

Selecting the economy programme

- This programme selects a higher gear earlier rather than remain

in a lower gear.

- Put the selector lever into position D to drive forwards

- Put the selector lever into position R to reverse. This position is

Fig. 142 Deactivating the

shared by all programmes for reversing.

lock

Selecting the sport programme

Releasing the selector lever lock

- Move the lever to position S.

- Start the vehicle.

If you select the sport programme, S, the program is designed for a sports

mode, that is, a programme which changes up at higher engine speeds to use

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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170

Driving

– Press and release the brake pedal, at the same time press the

Driving

button on the selector lever.

- Press and hold the foot brake.

The lock is only activated when the vehicle is stopped or at a speed of less

- Press on the button on the selector lever knob (on the left)

than 5 km/h. At higher speeds, the lock is automatically released in position

⇒ fig. 143.

- Select a gear for driving (R, D or S).

For rapid changes of position (e.g. from R to D) the lever will not lock. If the

lever remains in the position N more than one second then it is locked. With

- Release the button and wait a few seconds for the gear to

the automatic lock, the lever is prevented passing from P and N to any other

engage, a light jerk will be felt.

gear without first pressing the brake pedal.

- Release the brake and accelerate.

The selector lever must be put in the position P in order to remove the key.

Short stop

- Hold the vehicle stationary with the brake pressed down (for

Driving with an automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic

example at traffic lights). The selector lever does not need to be

gearbox*

put into the positions P or N for this.

The drive and reverse gears are automatically engaged.

- Do not press the accelerator.

Parking the vehicle

- Press the foot brake and hold to bring the vehicle to a stop.

- Apply the handbrake firmly.

- Press in the button on the selector lever knob, move the lever to

the position P and release the button.

Driving slowly

- Move the selector lever to the position D and press to the right to

put the lever into Tiptronic mode.

Fig. 143 Driving

- Press the gear lever towards (-) to select a lower gear.

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Driving

171

Hill stop

WARNING (continued)

- Hold the vehicle, in all cases, using the foot brake to prevent

• If you must stop on a hill, always hold the vehicle using the footbrake

rolling back.

to avoid rolling back.

- Do not try to slow the vehicle using another forward gear (engine

• The footbrake must not be held for a long period of time, not even

braking).

lightly; continuous braking will cause overheating of the brakes and a

reduction or even a loss of braking power and a significant increase in

Descending gradients

braking distances.

- With the gear engaged, release the brake and accelerate.

• Never allow the vehicle to coast down a gradient with the selector lever

in positions N or D, even when the engine is not running. For descents, the

use of the Tiptronic programme is recommended to keep the speed

The steeper the gradient the lower the gear must be for effective engine

reduced.

braking. For example, if 3rd gear is used on a very steep gradient, the engine

braking is insufficient and vehicle accelerates. So that the engine speed does

not become excessive, the gearbox changes to the next highest gear. Depress

Caution

the brake pedal and move the selector lever to the Tiptronic gate to return to

• Never use the automatic gearbox to hold the vehicle stationary on a hill,

3rd gear.

even for short periods, as this may overheat the gearbox and cause damage.

Apply the handbrake or depress the foot brake to hold the vehicle in position.

WARNING

• If the vehicle is allowed to roll with the engine stopped but the selector in

position N then the gearbox may be damaged because it will not be

• The driver should never leave the vehicle while the engine is running or

lubricated.

with any gear selected. If for any reason you must leave the vehicle with the

engine running, apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to posi-

tion P.

• When the engine is running and the positions D, S or R are selected, it

is necessary to hold the vehicle with the foot brake because the vehicle will

creep at a low speed.

• Never accelerate while changing the position of the selector lever (risk

of an accident).

• The selector lever must never be moved into the positions R or P while

moving (risk of an accident).

• Before descending a steep gradient, reduce speed and use the Tiptronic

programme to select a lower gear.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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172

Driving

Using the Tiptronic gear system

General information about driving in Tiptronic mode

The Tiptronic system allows the driver to manually select

Changing gear with the gear stick

gears

- Put the lever in position D and push to the right to enter the

Tiptronic gate ⇒ fig. 144.

- Press the gear lever forwards (+) to select a higher gear.

- Press the gear lever back (-) to select a lower gear.

Changing gear with the steering wheel levers

- Pull right lever (+) towards the steering wheel to change up

⇒ fig. 145.

- Pull left lever (-) towards the steering wheel to change down

⇒ fig. 145.

Fig. 144 Changing gear

with Tiptronic

Using the levers on the steering wheel, you can access manual driving mode

regardless of the driving mode pre-selected.

General information about driving in Tiptronic mode

When accelerating, the automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox goes into a

higher gear a little before it reaches the maximum permitted revolutions.

If a lower gear is selected, the automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox does

not change down until the point is reached where the engine could no longer

overrev.

If the “Tiptronic” is selected whilst the vehicle is in motion and the automatic

gearbox / direct shift gearbox is in 3rd gear in selector lever position D, the

“Tiptronic” will then also be in 3rd gear.

Fig. 145 Steering wheel

with levers for automatic

gearbox

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Driving

173

Applying the handbrake

Note

- Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ fig. 146.

• The gearbox controls on the steering wheel can operate with the gear stick

in any position and with the vehicle in motion.

Releasing the handbrake

- Pull the lever up slightly and press the locking knob in the direc-

tion of the arrow ⇒ fig. 146 and guide the handbrake lever down

Handbrake

fully ⇒

Always apply the handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-

Using the handbrake

brake applied ⇒

The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the

The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied

and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp goes out when the hand-

vehicle from accidentally rolling away.

brake is released.

If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following

message* will appear in the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. Also,

an audible warning is given.

WARNING

• Never use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle when it is in motion.

The braking distance is considerably longer, as braking is only applied to

the rear wheels. Risk of accident!

• If it is only partially released this will cause overheating of the rear

brakes, which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead

Fig. 146 Handbrake

to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake

between the front seats

pads/linings.

Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when

Caution

you park.

Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear

should also be selected.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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174

Driving

Parking

WARNING (continued)

The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the

• Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable

vehicle is parked.

materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.

• Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is

Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:

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

- Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.

emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.

- Apply the handbrake.

• Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could set the

vehicle in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear

- The first gear should also be selected.

lever / selector lever.

• Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold

- Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition lock.

inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.

Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.

- Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle

⇒

Acoustic parking aid system*

Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:

Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll against the kerb if it did

Rear parking aid

start to roll.

The parking aid system will use an acoustic signal to warn of

• If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point

the approach of any object towards the rear of the vehicle.

towards the kerb.

• If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away

Description

from the kerb.

The acoustic parking aid system will measure the distance between the rear

• Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and

of the vehicle and any possible obstacle using four ultrasonic sensors located

selecting first gear.

on the rear bumper. The measuring range of the sensors starts at approxi-

mately and depending on the nature of the obstacle at a distance of:

WARNING

• side of the rear bumper: 0.8 m

• middle of the rear bumper: 1.5 m

• Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle

unattended.

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Driving

175

Activation

WARNING (continued)

The system is activated by engagement of the reverse gear. A brief acoustic

signal confirms the activation and correct function of the system.

• Always look out for small children and animals because the system will

not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-

Reversing

dents.

The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the

• The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver

system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase

must take full responsibility for parking and other manoeuvres.

rapidly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.

Within a short distance of about 25 cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop

Caution

signal). The driver should not reverse any further.

•

Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be

Trailer towing

registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the system will not give

For vehicles fitted with a tow bar by the manufacturer, the parking aid system

any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences, chains,

will not be activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a

thin posts or trailer draw bars, high kerbs or painted railings etc) may not

trailer, as the trailer's electric connecter will be plugged into the vehicle.

always be detected by the system, so there is a risk of damaging the vehicle

in such cases.

Possible faults

• In some cases, obstacles with uniform edges and bumps may not be

If a continuous bleep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is

detected immediately by the system due to their geometry. Take special care

engaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.

around this type of obstacle such as corners, rectangular objects, etc.., these

can cause damage to the vehicle.

If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the acoustic signal

warning of the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated

• Be especially carefully when manoeuvring into a corner between two

(by engaging the reverse gear). Thus, the system ready indication will not

perpendicular walls. Survey the approach of the wall to the side of the vehicle

sound either. Have the fault repaired by an Authorised Service Centre as soon

(using the mirrors)

as possible.

• The parking aid system does not replace use of the mirrors for manoeu-

vres.

If there is no ready signal or no acoustic warning signal then the parking aid

loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.

• Distant ultra-sonic sources (hammers, tyres, construction machinery,

other vehicles with PDC) may interfere with the operation of the system.

To ensure that the system works properly, the sensors must be kept clean and

• Periodic cleaning of the sensors, take care not to damage or scratch them.

free of ice and snow.

When cleaning with high pressure washers or steam cleaners, the sensors

should be sprayed for only a very short period and from a distance of more

WARNING

than 10 cm.

• The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles may not be detected.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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176

Driving

Cruise control system (CCS)*

Switching the cruise control system on and off

Description

The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed in

the range from approx. 30 km/h to 180 km/h.

Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the accel-

erator.

WARNING

Fig. 147 Turn signal and

main beam headlight

It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible

lever switch and rocker

to drive at constant speed.

switch for the cruise

control

• For safety reasons the cruise control system should not be used in

dense traffic, in sections with bends or where roads conditions are poor

(e.g. aquaplaning, loose chippings, slippery surfaces, snow). Risk of acci-

Switching on the system

dent.

- Push the switch ⇒ fig. 147 to the left to ON.

• Always switch off the CCS when you have finished using it. This will

prevent you using it by mistake.

Switching off system

• It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,

- Either push the switch

to the right to OFF or turn the ignition

traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.

off when the vehicle is stationary.

Note

When the cruise control is on and a speed is programmed, the indicator  on

The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending gradi-

the instrument panel is lit.²⁰⁾

ents. The vehicle will accelerate under its own weight. Use the foot brake to

If the cruise control system is switched off, the  symbol is switched off. The

slow the vehicle.

system will also be switched off fully when the 1st gear is selected.*

²⁰⁾ Depending on the model version

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Driving

177

Setting speed*

Adjusting set speed*

The speed can be altered without touching the accelerator or

the brake.

Fig. 148 Turn signal and

main beam headlight

lever switch and rocker

switch for the cruise

Fig. 149 Turn signal and

control

main beam headlight

lever switch and rocker

switch for the cruise

- Press the lower part SET/- of the rocker switch ⇒ fig. 148

control

once briefly when you have reached the speed you wish to set.

Setting a higher speed

When you release the rocker switch, the current speed is set and held

constant.

- Press the upper part RES/+ of the rocker switch ⇒ fig. 149 to

increase the speed. The vehicle will continue to accelerate for as

long as you keep the rocker switch pressed. When you release

the switch, the new speed is stored.

Setting a lower speed

- Press the lower part SET/- of the rocker switch

to reduce the

speed. The vehicle will automatically reduce its speed for as long

as you keep the switch pressed. When you release the switch, the

new speed is stored.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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178

Driving

When you increase speed with the accelerator and then release the pedal, the

• if the clutch pedal is depressed,

system will automatically restore the set speed. This will not be the case,

• if the vehicle is accelerated to over 180 km/h,

however, if the vehicle speed is more than 10 km/h higher than the stored

• when the lever is moved to the position “CANCEL” without reaching

speed for longer than 5 minutes. The speed will have to be stored again.

the “OFF” position. Once the “CANCEL” operation is completed, the lever is

Control of the set speed is switched off if you reduce speed by depressing the

released and returns to its initial position.

brake pedal. You can reactivate the control by pressing once on the upper part

To resume the cruise control, release the brake or clutch pedal or reduce the

of the rocker switch RES/+ ⇒ page 177, fig. 149

vehicle speed to less than 180 km/h and press once on the upper part of the

rocker switch RES/+ ⇒ fig. 150

WARNING

It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,

WARNING

traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.

It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,

traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.

Switching off system temporarily*

Turning off the cruise control system*

Fig. 150 Turn signal and

main beam headlight

lever switch and rocker

Fig. 151 Turn signal and

switch for the cruise

main beam headlight

control

lever switch and rocker

switch for the cruise

control

The cruise control system will be switched off in the following situations:

• if the brake pedal is depressed,

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Driving

179

Vehicles with a manual gearbox

The system is completely turned off by moving the control

all the way to

the right hand side (OFF engaged), or when the vehicle is stationary, ignition

off.

Vehicles with automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox*

To completely disengage the system, the selector lever must be placed in one

of the following positions: P, N, R or 1 or with the vehicle stopped and the

ignition turned off.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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Intelligent technology

181

Tips and Maintenance

Intelligent technology

The brake assist system intervenes here, if you press the brake pedal very

Brakes

quickly, the brake assist system registers an emergency situation. It then very

quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be activated

Brake servo

more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.

Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system

The brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It works

switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.

only when the engine is running.

If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle has

WARNING

to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to

make up for the lack of servo assistance.

• The risk of accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep

your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slippery

or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake assist

WARNING

system.

The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.

• The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery and

wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! Therefore, it is

• Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so

essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic conditions.

could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably

Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when

as the brake servo does not function.

driving.

• If the brake servo is not functioning, for example if the vehicle is being

towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than

normal.

Brake assist system (BAS)*

In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force.

This results in unnecessarily long braking distances.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

Content .. 9 10 11 12 ..