2006 Seat Alhambra abs

Intelligent technology183
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
•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.
When the ESP is deactivated, the TCS is switched off at the same time. This
means that this technology is not available for as long as the ESP remains
switched off.
How ESP works
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually. The
system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the car. If the desired course is not being main-
tained accurately (for instance if the car is beginning to skid) the ESP compen-
sates automatically by applying the brake at the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the car back to a stable condi-
tion. If the car is tending to oversteer (break away at the rear) the brake appli-
cation is concentrated on the outside front wheel; if the car is understeering
(tending to follow a wider radius in a bend), the brake is mainly applied to the
inside rear wheel.
How the Traction Control System (TCS) works
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the driven wheels of front-wheel
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action. TCS helps the car to start moving,
accelerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may other-
wise be difficult or even impossible.
When does the warning lamp light up or flash
?
•The warning lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on and
should go out again after a few seconds.
•The warning lamp  will start flashing to indicate that the ESP and TCS
are 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.
•It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started, this
may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the function.
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 func-
tional
If the battery is disconnected, the warning lamp
~ lights after turning the
ignition on. This should turn off after a brief trip.
WARNING
Try to always adapt the speed of the vehicle to weather, road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety afforded by the system tempt you
into taking any risks when driving. Risk of accident.
•The ESP and TCS cannot defy the laws of motion. 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.
•The ESP cannot reduce the risk of accident if, for example, you are
driving with an unsuitable load or too close to the preceding vehicle.
WARNING
•Modifications to the vehicle or work carried out incorrectly (e. g. to the
engine, the brake system, running gear or any components affecting the
wheels and tyres) could affect the efficiency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS
and lessen their efficiency.

Checking and refilling levels 210
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk
of accident or fire.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
•Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
•Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector
lever to position P.
•Keep children away from the vehicle.
•Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.
•Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This
is a fire hazard.
•Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the
points where the jump leads are attached Ÿpage 250. The battery could
explode.
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the
key removed from the ignition!
•Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of
injury.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
−Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting
clothes.
−Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
−Do not smoke.
−Never work near naked flames.
−Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Caution
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 222
The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram Ÿpage 262. The brake fluid reservoir has a black and
yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low Ÿpage 70.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings Ÿpage 209.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be renewed every two years.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings Ÿ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 209 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
could impair the braking effect.
For this reason the brake fluid must be renewed every two years.It is important that you use only use brake fluid compliant with the US
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake
fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
•Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings Ÿpage 209.
•Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.
•Have the brake fluid changed every two years at the latest. Heavy use
of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system
for too long. This would seriously affect the efficiency of the brakes and the
safety of the vehicle. This may cause an accident.
Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid must be drained and disposed of in the proper manner observing
environmental regulations.

If and when 246
– Remove the failed glass bulb and replace with a new bulb.
– Insert the lamp holder in the turn signal guide rail.
– First fit the turn signal in the opening of the chassis, securing the
tabs Ÿpage 245, fig. 165 and then, fit the lamp as shown by
the arrow .
Rear lights
Before changing a bulb, the tailgate should always be opened.
The lights have the following layout:
On the body
Turn signals, pilot light and brake/rear light
On the tailgate / rear door
Reversing light and rear antifog light.
Lights on vehicle body
– Open the cover in the luggage compartment trim.
– Press the side tabs in the direction of arrow Ÿfig. 166.
– Press the defective bulb into the bulb carrier, then turn it to the
left and remove it.
– Fit the new bulb and turn to the right as far as possible.
– Fit the lamp holder, press in until the tabs “click” into place.
A1
A2
Fig. 166 Lights on
vehicle body

If and when247
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Lights on tailgate
– Remove the cover in the trim.– Press the elastic tab in the direction of the arrow Ÿfig. 167 and
remove the lamp holder downwards.
– Press the defective bulb into the bulb carrier, then turn it to the
left and remove it.
– Fit the new bulb and turn to the right as far as possible.
– Fit the lamp holder in the corresponding opening at the front
tab and press the lamp holder upwards at the back , until the
elastic tab engages Ÿfig. 168.
– Replace the cover. To do so, insert the two tabs of the exterior
part of the cover behind the tailgate trim and push the cover
upwards until it goes into position.
Registration plate light
Fig. 167 Lights on tail-
gate
Fig. 168 Lights on tail-
gate
A1
A2
Fig. 169 Registration
light

Index287
Index
4MOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
A
ABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Additional instruction manual
Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Adjust seats
rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Adjusting lumbar support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Air conditioning manual
faults in operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Air conditioning system
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Air recirculation mode
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Airbag cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Airbags
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Alterations to the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Alternator
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Anti-lock brake system
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Anti-locking brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Anti-puncture kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Sealing and inflating tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130Ashtrays
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Automatic belt retractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Automatic car washes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Safety interlock for ignition key . . . . . . . . . 162
Automatic gearbox with Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . 171
Automatic mode
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Automatic wipe
Windscreen wiper and washer . . . . . . . . . . 116
automatic wipe
Rear window wiper and wash . . . . . . . . . . . 117
B
Ball coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Battery
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Belt height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 29
Belt retainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Belt tension device
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33