Safe constantly being displayed on dashboard

[McGuire]

Hi I’ve just bought an Altea Ref Sport, second hand and I’d be grateful for any advice anyone could give me. The digital display on the dashboard constantly displays Safe while I’m drive. I’ve checked and there’s no owners manual, so I’m not sure if this is normal or maybe a problem with the car.

 

[Slimy]

That 'SAFE' message is coming from your head unit, the little display should show track numbers (for a CD) or radio station details. Have you got the code for your radio?

 

[McGuire]

That 'SAFE' message is coming from your head unit, the little display should show track numbers (for a CD) or radio station details. Have you got the code for your radio?

Sorry I should have been more clear. The Safe message is being dispalyed on the LED screen that's part of the Speed odometer. I’ve heard off a friend that there may be a problem with the car's central locking system or the immobilizer. I’m hoping this isn’t the case, as I hear it’s not cheap replacing the remote key.

 

[Slimy]

No, I did know what you were on about. There is a secondary display connected to the head unit, it's about eight characters in length and is right in front of you.

If it was part of the immobiliser, your car wouldn't be going anywhere. If it was the central locking, either you or your passengers wouldn't have been able to get in.

Of course, if you've tried the radio and that works fine, then I am way off target anyway!

 

[Toxic]

Quote from the manual.

Electronic immobiliser* “Safe”
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used. Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser automatically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the ignition lock.

The message displayed in the instrument panel display is16): SAFE. The vehicle cannot be used in that case page 162.

The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine key is used.

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

 

[Slimy]

OK, so I was totally off target with the head unit then! Sorry, my bad...

Although that manual entry suggests the car shouldn't be moving?

 

[McGuire]

Thanks for the help; you’ve all pointed me in the right direction. I’ve discovered that where I bought the car from had only supplied me the Seat duplicate key and a broken central locking remote. The key part of the remote was missing. With not being a Seat dealership they hadn’t informed me of the need to turn the key twice to deactivate the Safety mode. I’ve since been back to the garage and banged a few heads together and made them pay for a replacement remote, which I understand wasn’t cheap.
Once again thanks for the advice.

 

[Toxic]

Excellent news, at least you got it sorted!

 

[UncleFester]

Next time it happens, check the boot for Westwood!