2006 Seat Alhambra warning lights

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 152
−ECON (cooling system off) or
−OFF (entire system off)
Outside temperature display
Display for windscreen defrosting – lights up when the windscreen
defrosting function is switched on
Display for air recirculation mode
Display for air flow
Display of the selected interior temperature front
Display of the blower setting rear
Display of the selected interior temperature rear
Button for the automatic mode
Button for air recirculation mode
Button for reducing the blower speed front
Button for raising the blower speed front
Button for directing the air flow to the chest
Button for directing the air flow to the footwell
Button for reducing the temperature front
Button for raising the temperature front
Button for reducing the blower speed rear
Button for raising the blower speed rear
Button for reducing the temperature rear
Button for raising the temperature rear
Button for switching the cooling system off
Switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit
Press and hold the button and press the button.
The selected temperature unit is then displayed.WARNING
For road safety all windows must be clear of ice, snow, and condensation.
This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise yourself with
the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, including the
demist/defrost functions for the windows.
Note
Please observe the general notes Ÿpage 157.
Automatic mode
In automatic mode air temperature, flow, and distribution are
automatically regulated so that a specified temperature is
attained as quickly as possible and then maintained.
Switching on automatic mode
– Press the button .
– Select the desired temperature We recommend 22°C (72°F).
A comfortable interior climate is quickly reached when a temperature of
+22°C (72°F) is set in automatic mode. It can be changed as necessary to suit
individual preferences or particular circumstances. It is possible to select
interior temperatures from +18°C (64°F) to +29°C (86°F). These are approxi-
mate temperatures and the actual temperature may be slightly higher or
lower depending on the outside conditions.
If a temperature below +18°C (17.78°C) is selected, the display indicates LO.
The temperature is not controlled and in AUTO mode, the system runs at
maximum cooling output.
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
A10
A11AUTO
A12
A133
A142
A15K
A16
A17ž
A18ž
A193
A202
A21ž
A22ž
A23ECON
ECONAUTO
AUTO

Driving 164
– In vehicles with a manual gearbox, depress the clutch pedal fully
and hold it in this position, the starter will then only have to turn
the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position Ÿpage 161, fig. 126 . The
warning lamp
D lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating the engine.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position to
start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter
motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If you have problems starting the engine, please refer to Help with Ignition.
Glow plug system
To avoid unnecessary loads on the battery, do not use any other major elec-
trical equipment while the glow plugs are preheating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp goes out.
Starting a diesel 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 a diesel engine after refuelling. This is because air
needs to be bled from the fuel system while starting.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause people
to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
damage it.
•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Observe the warnings in the
chapter Help with Ignition.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Switching off the engine
– Stopping the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position Ÿpage 161, fig. 126 .
A2
A3
WARNING (continued)
A1

Driving 166
•The reversing lights come on
•The heating or air conditioning automatically change to air recirculation
mode.
•The rear window heater switches on when the windscreen wiper is acti-
vated.
WARNING
•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-
dent.
Caution
•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 damages the clutch. It can also prevent power being transferred from the
engine to the gearbox.
Automatic gearbox
Gearbox programs
The automatic gearbox has two gearbox programmes.
The gearbox management system is equipped with two driving programmes.
Depending on the driver or the driving situation, either a consumption
oriented programme or a more “sporty” programme will be selected.
The programme selection will be carried out automatically depending on how
the accelerator is used.
•The consumption-oriented programme will be selected if you use the
accelerator slowly or normally. This means that the gearbox will shift up
earlier and down later.
•A more “sporty” driving programme which shifts up gear later will be
selected if you use the accelerator more quickly.
Fig. 128 Section of
centre console: selector
lever with lock button

Driving 172
•Be particularly careful, therefore, when using the kick-down function on
slippery road surfaces.
•You should use the kick-down function only when traffic and weather
conditions allow it to be used safely.
Handbrake
Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.
Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Using the handbrake
– Firmly pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Firmly pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
– Push in the lock button on the handbrake lever.
– Keep the locking knob pressed and push the lever all the way
down Ÿ.
The handbrake is located at the side of the driver seat. Always apply the
handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the handbrake applied
Ÿ.The handbrake warning lamp
H lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp goes out when the hand-
brake is released.
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!
•Never drive with the handbrake slightly applied. This could cause the
rear brakes to overheat and lose their braking efficiency. Risk of accident.
This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads/linings.
Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. On cars with a
manual gearbox engage 1st gear, or for an automatic gearbox move the
selector lever to P.
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear. On an automatic move
the selector lever to P .
WARNING (continued)

Intelligent technology179
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Tips and Maintenance
Intelligent technology
Brakes
Brake servo
The brake servo supplements the pressure you exert on the brake pedal. It
works only when the engine is running.
If the brake servo does not operate, for example, when the vehicle is being
towed or due to a fault in the system, the brake pedal must be depressed
harder.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.
•Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so
could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably
as the brake servo does not function.
•If the brake servo is out of action, for example if the car is being towed,
you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than normal.
Brake pads wear display I
If this light comes on, check the brake pads immediately.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel .
WARNING
If the warning lamp lights up I or the corresponding message appears on
the instrument panel, immediately have the brake pads checked and
replaced, if necessary, at a specialised workshop.
Brake warning lamp H
If the warning lamp comes on, this may be caused by the
following reasons:
•With the handbrake on the warning light comes on H on the instrument
panel. If you are travelling at over 6 km/h with the hand brake on, a text
message or the required operations may appear on the instrument panel. In
addition a warning signal is heard.
•In the event of insufficient brake fluid the warning lamp lights up H on
the instrument panel. At the same time, a text message or the necessary oper-
ations may appear on the instrument panel . Stop the vehicle immediately
and check the level of the brake fluid Ÿpage 221
•In the event of a fault in the brake system the warning lamp lights up H
on the instrument panel and three buzzes are emitted. At the same time, a
text message or the necessary operations may appear on the instrument
panel . Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. You should obtain professional
assistance. This warning lamp
H can light up together with the anti-locking
brake system warning lamp JŸ.

Intelligent technology 180
WARNING
Special care must be taken when working on the engine or on components
in the engine compartment.
•It is important that you read and observe the corresponding warnings
before working in the engine compartment Ÿpage 209.
•If the brake warning symbol does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in
the brake system. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on.
You should obtain professional assistance.
•If the brake warning lamp H lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp J, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. 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.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake servo (BAS) works only when the engine is running.
In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force.
This results in unnecessarily long braking distances.
The brake assist system intervenes here: if you press the brake pedal very
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
more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system
switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.
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 risk of accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep
your distance from the car in front, and when the road surface is slippery or
wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake assist
system.
•The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of motion. Slippery and
wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system!
•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.
Anti-locking brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking
during braking.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the car's active safety
system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turning too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the pressure for this wheel. The driver
is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake pedal and
audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or more of
the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has intervened. In
this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed so the
ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump” the brake pedal.

Intelligent technology181
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a On braking sharply on slippery ground, this system helps to keep the vehicle
under control, as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
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 anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of motion. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS has
been activated, you should reduce speed immediately to suit the road and
traffic conditions.
•The ABS 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.
•The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
Ÿpage 225.
ABS warning lamp J
The warning lamp 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 ABS 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 is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light up
42).
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.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel .
WARNING
Special care must be taken when working on the engine or on components
in the engine compartment.
•It is important that you read and observe the corresponding warnings
before working in the engine compartment Ÿpage 209.
42)Optional equipment

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.