2006 Seat Alhambra check engine light

Airbag system 34
Monitoring of airbag and belt tension device system
The functionality of the airbag and belt tension device system is constantly
monitored electronically. The warning lamp
T will light up for four seconds
every time the ignition is switched on. (self diagnosis).
If at least one airbag has been deactivated in a specialised workshop, the
warning light
T flashes for 12 seconds before starting the engine. This does
not apply when the front and side airbags have been deactivated using the
key switchŸpage 43.
The system must be checked when the warning lamp
T :
•does not come on when the ignition is switched on,
•does not go off after four seconds, after switching on the ignition,
•goes out and then comes on again after the ignition is switched on,
•or if it comes on or flickers while the car is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. In
addition, depending on the malfunction, an appropriate fault message
appears in the display
1) of the instrument panel. In this event, you should
have a qualified workshop check the system immediately.
WARNING
If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tension device system cannot
properly perform its protective function.
•If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immediately by
a qualified workshop. Otherwise there is a risk that, in the event of an acci-
dent, the airbag system and belt tension devices may not be triggered, or
may not be triggered correctly.
Repair, care and disposal of the airbags
The parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehicle.
If you work on the airbag system or remove and install parts of the system
when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be
damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the airbag are scrapped. The specialist workshops and the
Vehicle disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
•If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are used
incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries is increased. The airbags may
fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.
•Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft
plastic surface of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dashboard,
and do not obstruct or modify them in any way.
•It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.
•To clean the steering wheel or dash panel, you may use only a dry cloth
or one moistened with water. Never clean the dash panel and surface of the
airbag module with cleansers containing solvents. Solvents cause the
surface to become porous. If the airbag inflates, disintegrating plastic
parts can cause substantial injuries.
•Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag
system.
•Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of the airbag
components for other repairs (such as repairs to the steering wheel) should
be performed only by a qualified workshop. Qualified workshops have the
necessary tools, repair information and qualified personnel.
1)Depending on the model version

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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

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the combi-instrument display. Stop the car and switch off the engine.Allow
the engine to cool and check the coolant level Ÿ .
Even if the coolant level is correct do not continue driving. You should obtain
technical assistance.
WARNING
Read and observe the warnings “Working in the engine compartment”
before opening the bonnet to carry out work in the engine compartment.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.
Fuel gauge z
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 70 litres.
When the needle reaches the reserve zone Ÿfig. 46 -arrow-, the warning
lamp z lights up in the display. The text
6) PLEASE REFUEL may appear in the
combi-instrument display. At the same time, an audible warning is given as a
reminder to fill up. At this point there are still about 8 litres of fuel in the
tank.
5)Depending on model version6)Depending on model version
Fig. 46 Details of the
instrument panel: Fuel
gauge

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Display in the instrument panel
Fault messages
Faults are shown by warning lamps and / or as symbols with
warning and information reports on the display.
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the igni-
tion is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Functional problems are
shown by warning lamps and / or red or yellow symbols with fault texts on the combi-instrument. Depending on the exact nature of the functional problem,
audible warnings may also be given.
Note
•The size of the display depends on the type of combi-instrument you have
fitted. In some models, the combi-instrument does not have an integrated
display.
•In addition to warning messages given on a fault, you will receive informa-
tion in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
Overview of selected fault messages
Fault messages are displayed on the combi-instrument display.
The following overview does not show all fault messages. Not all fault
messages are displayed with a symbol.Warning symbols (priority 1)
If the symbol lights up again after a fault has been corrected, you should stop
the vehicle immediately, switch off the engine and seek professional advice .
Fault message Symbol Action
STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL
HStop the car, turn the engine off and check the brake fluid level
Ÿpage 221.
HANDBRAKE ON
HRelease the handbrake.
STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL
H
and
J
Stop the car, turn the engine off and seek professional help Ÿpage 179
STOP CHECK COOLANT SERVICE MANUAL
v Checking coolant level Ÿ page 216

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Fault message priorities
Priority 1 fault messages (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings Ÿ. This is a danger warning.
Stop the car and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. The symbols will
keep flashing until the faults have been rectified.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warning
report.
Priority 2 fault messages (yellow):
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied
by one audible warning. The function should be checked as soon as possible.
If several priority 2 warning reports are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
Priority 2 warning reports will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
reports have been dealt with!
WARNING
Failure to observe fault texts and warning lamps can result in serious
personal injury or damage to your vehicle.

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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.

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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