2006 Seat Alhambra ignition

Airbag system43
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any way.
•The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in the
interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the side and
head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be modified in
any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged in any way,
this may affect the correct working of the system. All work carried out on
the front door must be made in a qualified workshop.
Deactivating airbags*
Disabling front passenger front and side airbags
The passenger airbags must be disconnected when a rear
facing child seat is fitted in the front passenger seat.The key switch can be used to disconnect the front and side airbag
for the passenger seat. All the other airbags in the vehicle remain
functional.
Disabling front and side airbags for front passenger
– Switch off ignition.
– Open centre compartment on instrument panel:
– Using the ignition key, turn the switch to OFF Ÿfig. 28.
– Check if, when the ignition is switched on, that the warning lamp
“PASS AIRBAG OFF” on the instrument panel Ÿfig. 29 remains lit
Ÿ.
– Close centre compartment on instrument panel:
Enabling front and side airbags for front passenger
– Switch off ignition.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 28 Interior of centre
compartment on instru-
ment panel: Key switch for
switching off the front
passenger airbags
Fig. 29 Warning lamp for
disabling airbag in dash
panel

Airbag system 44
– Open centre compartment on instrument panel:
– Using the ignition key, turn the switch to ON Ÿpage 43, fig. 28.
– Check if, when the ignition is switched on, that the warning lamp
“PASS AIRBAG OFF” on the instrument panel Ÿpage 43, fig. 29
does not light up Ÿ.
– Close centre compartment on instrument panel:
WARNING
•The driver is responsible for the proper position of the key-operated
switch.
•You should only disable the front and side passenger airbags if, in
exceptional cases, you have to use a rear-facing child seat on the front
passenger seat Ÿpage 45
•Never fit a child seat in the passenger seat, where the child faces back-
wards to the direction of travel and the frontal airbag has not been deacti-
vated. This is highly dangerous for the child. However, if it is necessary in
exceptional circumstances to transport a child in a rear-facing child seat on
the front passenger seat, you must always disable the front passenger
airbag.
•As soon as the child seat will no longer be used on the front passenger
seat, enable the front and side passenger airbag again.
•Only deactivate the front and side passenger airbag when the ignition
is off, otherwise a fault may occur in the airbag system, this will create the
risk of the front, curtain or side airbag not deploying properly or not at all
in the event of an accident.
•If, while the front and side passenger airbag is turned off, the indicator
PASS. AIRBAG OFF on the instrument panel does not remain lit, this could
indicate a fault in the airbag system:−Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a qualified work-
shop.
−Do not use a child seat on the front passenger seat! The front and
side passenger airbag may deploy during an accident in spite of the
fault.
−It is impossible to determine whether the front or side airbags will be
triggered in case of accident. Inform your passengers of this.
WARNING (continued)

Cockpit61
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Operating instructions
Cockpit
Overview
Overview of the instrument panel
This overview will help you to familiarise yourself with the
controls and displays.
Door release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric wing mirror adjustment control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric window control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument lighting control / Headlamp range control . . . . . . .
Air outlets
Main beam and turn signal light lever/ Cruise control* . . . . .
Instrument panel / warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn / Driver's airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wiper lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switches for:
−rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−windscreen heater* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−left seat heating* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RadioCup holder* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central upper stowage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switches for:
−hazard warning light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−PDC* (parking distance control) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−right seat heating* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−cover for supplementary switch
Glove box/Stowage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger side upper stowage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ash tray/ lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric side window controls* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals
Steering control adjustment lever* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fusebox cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlock bonnet lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•Some of the items of equipment listed here are fitted only on certain
models/model years or are optional extras.
•In versions with the steering wheel on the right, the layout of the control
elements is somewhat different. But the symbols assigned to the controls
A191
A2119
A3100
A4109
A5109
A6
A7 111,175
A862, 70
A936
A10161
A11116
A12
115
115
125
182
A13151
A14
A15136
A16134
A17
110
173
125
A18134
A1936
A20133
A21165
A22139
A23100
A24172
A25
A26159
A27241
A28211

Cockpit63
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Rev counter
The rev. counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
If, for example, the needle is directly over the 2, this corresponds to an engine
speed of 2000 rpm (revolutions per minute) Ÿpage 62, fig. 44 .
The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the maximum engine speed
which may be used briefly when the engine is warm and after it has been run
in properly. However, it is advisable to change up a gear or move the selector
lever to D (or lift your foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the
red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise engine
noise.
Engine coolant temperature display v
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
The display only works when the ignition is switched on. The symbol
v will also light up in the display for some seconds as a function
check.
Needle in cold zone
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads Ÿfig. 45 .
Needle in normal zone
In normal driving conditions, the needle should be in the middle section of
the scale. The temperature may also rise when the engine is working hard,
especially at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern, as long
as the warning lamp does not light up Ÿpage 70.
Needle in warning zone
The warning lamp v will light up if the needle is in the warning zone. The
warning text
5) STOP CHECK COOLANT SERVICE MANUAL may also appear in
A1
Fig. 45 Details of the
instrument panel: Engine
coolant temperature
gauge
AA
A2
AB
AC
AC
A9

Cockpit 66
between 12 and 15 volts. If the voltage drops below 12 volts when the engine
is running, you should have the power supply (battery and alternator)
checked by a qualified dealership.
Note
The voltage may drop below 8 volts while the engine is being started.
Service Interval Display
The service display is shown either on the mileage display Ÿpage 62, fig. 44
or in the display7) in the combi-instrument Ÿpage 62, fig. 44 .
Service warning
A service pre-warning will appear in the odometer if a service is due soon. A
spanner symbol
 appears in the display along with the miles and the
number of kilometres until the next service. The service message will disap-
pear approximately 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on or if the
engine is running.
The distance quoted to the next scheduled service is reduced in increments
of 100 miles.
The following display appears in the instrument panel screen: SERVICE IN....
KM OR SERVICE IN ... DAYS. The service message will disappear approxi-
mately 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on or the engine is running.
The normal display can be resumed by pressing the reset button on the trip
counter or by pressing the rocker switch of the windscreen wiper lever .
If a service is due, a gong signal will sound and the flashing “spanner”
symbol will appear for approximately 20 seconds. The following display
appears in the instrument panel screen: SERVICE NOWWith the ignition switched on, you can call up the current service message by
pressing the trip counter reset knob for 2 seconds.
An overdue service is indicated by a minus sign in front of the mileage or day
information.
Resetting the service display
The display is reset by the SEAT dealer after the service has been carried out.
You will receive a print-out from the SEAT dealership as confirmation that this
work has been carried out.
If the service is not carried out by a SEAT Service centre, the service interval
display will have to be reset manually as follows:
•Switch off ignition.
•Press and hold the reset knob for the trip meter.
•Turn the ignition on and turn the reset button to the right. The display will
return to the normal mode.
Note
•The next service will be displayed after 15,000 miles if you reset the
service display yourself. The service interval will not be determined individu-
ally.
•Do not reset the display between service intervals as the display will
otherwise be incorrect.
7)Optional equipment
A10A3
AB

Cockpit73
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Cruise control system* %
The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system
is switched on.
The warning lamp % lights up when the cruise control system is switched on.
For further notes on the cruise control system see
Operating the foot brake K
The footbrake must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is
necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the
positions P or N.
Rear fog light

This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on
. Further
information Ÿpage 108.
Diesel engine faults D
This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for diesel engines.
If a malfunction occurs in the engine management system while you are
driving, the control lamp will flash D. Take the vehicle to an Authorised
Service Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel .
Turn signals 
The warning lamp flashes when the turn signals are in oper-
ation.
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left  or right
indi-
cator lamp flashes. Both warning lamps will flash at the same time when the
hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal fails, the warning lamp will start flashing twice as fast.
Further information on the turn signals Ÿpage 111.
Engine management %0#
This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp %0# (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
when the engine has started running.
If a fault develops in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehicle to an Authorised
Service Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
Main beam headlights 
This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.
The warning lamp  lights up when the main beams are on or when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information Ÿpage 111

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Exhaust system fault* B
Exhaust gas indicatorB
If the indicator B flashes it signals possible damage to the catalytic
converter caused by defective combustion. Reduce speed immediately and
go to the nearest specialized workshop to check the engine. At the same
time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on the instru-
ment panel .
If the indicator
B lights up, a fault has developed during driving which has
affects the quality of the exhaust gas (e. g. lambda probe fault). Reduce
speed immediately and go to the nearest specialized workshop to check the
engine. At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may
appear on the instrument panel .
Diesel particle filter indicator lamp ¬
When the indicator ¬ lights on the instrument panel it signals that the filter
is blocked by soot because of frequent short journeys. To clean the filter of
these particles, drive at a constant speed of 60 km/h for 15 minutes. Always
respect the speed limit. The most efficient way to clean the diesel particle
filter is to drive in 4th or 5th gear, at approximately 2,000 rpm Ÿ. This
causes a temperature increase sufficient to burn the soot in the filter.
If the lamp
¬ remains lit afterwards, go to a specialized workshop to
examine the problem.
While the lamp
¬ is lit (filter blockage signal) fuel consumption increases
and the engine may lose power in some cases.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel .
WARNING
•Try to always adapt the speed of the vehicle to weather, road and traffic
conditions. The indications suggested by the warning lights should not
lead you to disobey the highway code.
Traction control system (TCS)* 
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating
The warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should turn
out after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while driving, the warning lamp flashes. If the
system is deactivated or if there is any fault in the same, the warning lamp will
remain lit.
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the TCS oper-
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information see Ÿpage 181
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program.
This program includes the ABS, EDL and TCS.
The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a
test of the function is carried out.
•It flashes when the ESP is activated when driving.

Cockpit75
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
•It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully
functional.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) J
A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp Jshould light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•The warning lamp J does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.
•The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control
function will not function). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the Ÿpage 180.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
J lights up together with the brake warning lamp H, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system Ÿ
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
Ÿpage 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•If the brake warning lamp H should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp J, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir Ÿpage 221, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident.
Obtain technical assistance.
•If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop
and have the fault corrected.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*
A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp J. Please
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL Ÿpage 182
Electronic immobiliser*

When the ignition is switched on, the vehicle key data is automatically
consulted. The warning light will flash to confirm that the data is being
checked