2006 Seat Alhambra towing

Contents3
Contents
The structure of this manual . . . . .
Content. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation of child seats in vehicle seats . . . . .
Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating instructions . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cockpit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display in the instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On board computer with multifunction display*
Steering wheel controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key with remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding/tilting sun roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and visibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and stowage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays, cigarette lighter and electrical sockets
Hazard warning triangles and first aid kit . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling and heating box* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning . .
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking distance warning system . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gasses purification system . . . . . . . . . .
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving economically and with respect for the
environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the vehicle interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
6
7
7
7
9
14
14
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22
30
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5261
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84
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126
133
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142147
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160
161
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166
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179
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185
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188
191
193
193
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199

Contents 4
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile telephones and two-way radios . . . . . . .
Retrofitting a towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle onboard tools*, spare wheel*, puncture
repair kit* and towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown set* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lifting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes on the technical data . . . . . . .
What you should be aware of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are the figures measured? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Techn ical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 85 kW (115 hp) 6 gears .
Petrol engine 2.0l 85 kW (115 bhp). Automatic
Petrol engine 1.8 litre 110 kW (150 hp) 6 gears
Petrol engine 1.8l 110 kW (150 bhp). Automatic
Petrol engine 2.8l VR6 150 kW (204 bhp) 6 gear
Petrol engine 2.8l VR6 150 kW (204 bhp)
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 2.8l VR6 150 kW (204 bhp) 6 gear
four-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9 litre TDI 66 kW (90 bhp) 6
gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9 litre TDI 85 kW (115 bhp) 6
gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9l TDI 85 kW (115 bhp).
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9l TDI 85 kW (115 bhp) 6 gears
four-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9l TDI 96 kW (130 bhp) . . . . . .
Diesel engine 1.9 litre TDI 110 kW (150 bhp) 6
gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0 litre TDI 103 kW (140 bhp) 6
gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
202
202
203
203
204
206
206
207
207
209
212
216
218
221
223
225
231
231
234
236
241
245
249
251
255
257
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259
260
260262
262
263
264
266
267
269
270
272
273
275
276
278
279
281
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285
287

Safe driving 14
Pedal area
Pedals
The operation and freedom of movement of all pedals must
never be impaired by objects or floor mats.
– Ensure that you can always press the accelerator, brake and
clutch pedals unimpaired to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unimpaired to their initial posi-
tions.
Use only floor mats which leave the pedal area free and can be securely
fastened in the foot well.
If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must be free to move further than
normal in order to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Wear suitable shoes
Always wear shoes which support your feet properly and give you a good feel
for the pedals.
WARNING
•Restricting pedal operation can lead to critical situations while driving.
•Never place objects in the driver foot well. An object could move into the
pedal area and impair pedal operation. In the event of a sudden driving or
braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to operate the brake, clutch or
accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!
Floor mats on the driver side
Only floor mats may be used which can be securely fastened
in the foot well and do not impair operation of the pedals.
– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened during the trip
and do not obstruct the pedals Ÿ.
Only use floor mats which leave the pedals clear and which are secured to
prevent them from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor mats from a quali-
fied dealership.
WARNING
•If the pedals are obstructed, you could cause an accident. Risk of
serious injuries.
•Ensure that the floor mats are always securely attached.
•Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk
of accident.
Stowing luggage
Loading the luggage compartment
All luggage and other loose objects must be safely secured in
the luggage compartment.
Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the
driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the
centre of gravity.

Cockpit 72
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your
stationary vehicle so that it does not represent a danger.
•The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area!
Before you open the bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment, you must switch off the engine and allow it to cool to reduce the risk
of scalding or other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings
Ÿpage 209.
Note
•The appropriate warning lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information texts in the display.
•In vehicles with warning or information texts in the display, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information text
will also appear in the display.
Trailer turn signals 
This warning lamp also flashes when the turn signals are
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.
The warning lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a
trailer is correctly attached and connected to the vehicle.
The warning lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the trailer fails.
Fault in lights*Ÿpage 76
4Tailgate open display*Ÿpage 77
YWindscreen washer fluid*Ÿpage 77
oDoor open display*Ÿpage 77
IBrake pad wear indicator*Ÿpage 77
EEngine oil level/pressure*Ÿpage 77
Coolant temperature/level gaugeŸpage 78 Item Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
A19
A20
A21
A22
A23
A24
A25

Lights and visibility109
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a If you are towing a trailer equipped with a rear fog light on a vehicle with a
factory-fitted towing bracket
17), the rear fog light on the car will automatically
be switched off.
WARNING
•Never drive with just the side lights on. Risk of accident. The side lights
are not bright enough to illuminate the road ahead and to ensure that other
road users are able to see you. Always use your dipped headlights if it is
dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•If the lights are left on after the key has been taken out of the ignition lock,
a buzzer sounds when the driver door is opened. This is a reminder to switch
off the lights.
•The rear fog light is so bright that it can dazzle drivers behind you. You
should use the rear fog light only when visibility is very poor.
•If you are towing a trailer equipped with a rear fog light on a vehicle with
a factory-fitted towing bracket, the rear fog light on the car will automatically
be switched off.
•The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements.
Coming Home function (guide lights)*
The Coming Home function (guide lights) allows the vehicle
lights to stay on for approximately 3 minutes after the ignition
is switched off.
To activate the Coming Home function the vehicle lights should have
already been switched on.– Switch off vehicle lights.
– Switch off ignition.
– Keep all doors closed.
– Briefly pull the turn signal lever towards the steering wheel
within a maximum of 2 minutes after switching off the lights.
– Open the driver door.
When the driver's door is opened, the vehicle lights automatically light up for
approx. 3 minutes If the door is closed within 3 minutes, the guide lights will
stay on for approximately. 30 seconds. If the door is closed after 3 minutes,
the vehicle lights switch off and the guide lights are not activated.
Illumination of instruments and switches and headlight
range control
Fig. 72 Instrument panel:
headlight range control
and illumination of
instruments and switches
A1
A2

Lights and visibility111
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake firmly.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear. On an automatic move
the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users
to your vehicle.
7. Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for
instance when:
•reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•there is an emergency
•your vehicle breaks down due to a technical defect
•you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. The turn signal lights

and the button warning light  will
also flash. The hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched
off.
WARNING
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!
Note
•The battery will run down if the hazard warning lights are left on for a long
time - even if the ignition is switched off.
•If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative
method of drawing attention to your vehicle. This method must comply with
traffic legislation.
•The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Fig. 74 Turn signal and
main beam headlight
lever

Driving161
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
You should press the button to switch the ESP back on when you no longer
need wheel spin.
The TCS and EDL are also switched off if the ESP is switched off. This means
that this technology is not available for as long as the ESP remains switched
off.
When does the inscription OFF light up on the button?
•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
•The electronic stabilisation program (ESP) cannot defy the laws of
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet
roads and when towing a trailer.
•Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP.
Ignition lock
Position of the ignition key
Ignition switched off, steering lock
In position Ÿfig. 126 the ignition is switched off, and the steering wheel
lock can be engaged.
To engage the steering wheel lock, take out the key and turn the wheel
slightly until you hear the pin engage. You should always lock the steering
wheel when you leave your vehicle. This makes vehicle theft more difficult
Ÿ.
Switching on the ignition or glow plug system
Tu rn the ignition key to this position and let go of the key. If the key canno t b e
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.
ESP
Fig. 126 Ignition key
positions
A1
A1
A2
A1A2

Driving 174
Switching the parking distance warning system on and off
Switching on the parking distance warning system
The parking distance warning system is activated by either pressing the
button Ÿfig. 132 or by selecting the reverse gear. A warning lamp in the
button will indicate that the system is active.
Switching off the parking distance warning system
The parking distance warning system is switched off by pressing the button
(the warning lamp in the button goes out) or exceeding speeds of approx.
25 km/h.
WARNING
•The parking distance warning system cannot replace the driver's
assessment of the situation. The driver is personally responsible for safe
parking and other manoeuvres.
•The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
•Be particularly aware of small children or animals when reversing. The
sensors may not always be able to detect them.
Caution
•The system may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer draw
bars, thin rails, fences, posts etc. This could result in damage to your car.
•The parking distance warning system works only at speeds of under
approx. 15 km/h.
•The parking distance warning sensors in the bumpers must be kept clean
and free of ice. When cleaning with pressure hoses and steam cleaners, the
sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A distance of 10 cm between the
sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must be observed.
Note
•A system fault will be indicated via a tone when activated for the first time
and by the warning lamp flashing in the button. Switch the system off at the
button and have it checked by a qualified dealership as soon as possible.
•If your vehicle has a factory-fitted towing attachment41), the parking
distance warning system is not active when the reverse gear is engaged if you
are towing a trailer.
•The parking distance warning system registers water as an obstacle.
Fig. 132 Section of the
dash panel: button for
parking distance warning
system
'
'
41)Optional equipment
WARNING (continued)