2006 Seat Alhambra parking brake

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
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84
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185
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199

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

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

Driving167
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
A programme will, depending on the driving resistance, be selected automat-
ically that guarantees more pulling power, thus avoiding having to shift gear
constantly.
Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock in position P or N prevents gears from
being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle
to move.
The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch on the ignition.
– Press and hold the brake pedal and press the selector lever lock
on the left of the selector lever at the same time Ÿpage 166,
fig. 128.
The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or driving at
speeds up to 5 km/h (approx. 3 mph). At higher speeds the selector lever
lock is disengaged automatically in the N position .
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly
through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible, for
instance, to “rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow
or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not
depressed and the lever is in position N for more than about 1 second.
Driving a car with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes the forward gears up and down auto-
matically.
Switching on
– Start the engine with the selector lever in position P or N. Further
information Ÿpage 163.
Driving
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Press and hold the lock button (button on the left in the selector
lever) Ÿpage 166, fig. 128, select gear position (R, D or S).
– Release the lock button and wait for the gearbox to engage the
gear (a slight movement can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator Ÿ.
Stopping briefly
– Use the foot brake to prevent the car “creeping” forwards, e.g. at
traffic lights. The selector lever does not need to be put into the
positions P or N for this.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking the vehicle
– Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a
standstill Ÿ.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.

Driving 168
– Press and hold the lock button, move the selector lever to P and
release the lock button.
Driving up and down hills
– Press the selector lever from position D to the right into the
“Tiptronic” selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector lever back to change down.
Holding the car on a hill
– You should always hold the vehicle in position with the footbrake
to stop it from “rolling backwards” Ÿ. Do not try to prevent
the vehicle from “rolling backwards” by increasing the engine
speed while a range of gears is selected
Moving away on an incline
– With a gear engaged, take your foot from the brake and depress
the accelerator.
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. This increases the
braking effect of the engine. For example, you should drive down a very steep
slope in 3rd gear. If the engine brake effect is not sufficient, the vehicle will
gain speed. The automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox automatically
changes up to prevent the engine over revving. Use the foot brake to reduce
speed and change into 3rd gear using “Tiptronic” Ÿ.
Your vehicle has an automatic interlock which prevents the selector lever
being put into a position for driving forwards or in reverse from positions P or
N if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The ignition key cannot be removed unless the selector lever is in position P.
WARNING
•As a driver you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is running
and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is
running, you must apply the parking brake and engage parking lock P.
•If the engine is running and if D, S or R is engaged, you will need to hold
the car on the foot brake. The car will creep forward as the power transmis-
sion is not fully interrupted even when the engine is idling.
•Never press the accelerator when you move the selector lever. Risk of
accident.
•Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Risk of accident!
•Before you drive down a steep gradient, reduce your speed and use
“Tiptronic” to select a low gear.
•If you have to stop the vehicle on a gradient, always hold the vehicle in
position using the foot brake to stop it from rolling back.
•Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often
or for long periods. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat and
will considerably reduce the brake effect. This increases the braking
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.
•Never allow the car to roll down a gradient with the gear in neutral N, or
in selector lever position D, even if the engine is not running.
Caution
•If you stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not attempt to stop it from rolling
by depressing the accelerator when a gear has been selected. Otherwise, the
automatic gearbox /direct shift gearbox* may overheat causing damage. Pull
the handbrake on fully or depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away.
•If you allow the car to roll with the selector lever in position N with the
engine switched off, the automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox* will be
damaged as it will not be lubricated.

Driving169
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
The two clutch system of the direct shift gearbox* has a system to protect
against excess strain, which may occur, for example, when the vehicle is held
on a hill with the clutch and the gearbox oil overheats. When the clutch is
overloaded, the vehicle begins to jerk and the position indicator of the
selector lever begins to flash. To avoid breakdowns, the clutch breaks the
power transmission between the engine and the gearbox, as a result of which
the vehicle loses impetus. If the clutch opens automatically due to over-
loading, depress the brake pedal and wait a few seconds before
continuing.
Selector lever positions
The selector lever positions and gears are shown on the
display in the combi-instrument.
Selector lever positions
The gear selected is displayed on the side of the selector lever and on the
display Ÿfig. 129 in the combi-instrument.
P - parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the drive wheels are locked
mechanically.
The parking lock must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary Ÿ.
To move the selector lever from position P, the locking button in the selector
lever handle must be pressed and the brake pedal depressed at the same
time when the ignition is switched on.
Only the locking button has to be pressed to select the selector lever position
P.
If the battery has discharged, the selector lever cannot be removed from the
P position.
R - reverse gear
The reverse gear is engaged in this position.
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is idling Ÿ.
To move the selector lever to position R, press in the lock button and at the
same time press the brake pedal, with the ignition switched on.
With the selector lever in position R and the ignition switched on the
following occurs:
•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.
Fig. 129 Section of the
instrument panel : display
showing position of
selector lever

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)

Driving173
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
– Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle
Ÿ.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll against the kerb if it did
start to roll.
•If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point
towards the kerb.
•If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away
from the kerb.
WARNING
Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
unattended.
•Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
•Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.
•Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could set the
vehicle in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear
lever / selector lever.
•Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Parking distance warning system
Description
The parking distance warning system is a parking aid which
draws your attention to obstacles in front or behind the
vehicle.
The parking distance warning system assists the driver when parking. If the
rear of the vehicle is approaching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is
emitted. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If
the vehicle is too close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
The distance to an obstacle at the front is indicated via a high tone and via a
low tone at the rear. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals
between tones. If the vehicle is too close to the obstacle, the sound signal
becomes constant.
The obstacle may no longer be detected if the vehicle gets even closer to it!
The warning signal will stop when
•the vehicle moves away from the obstacle
•the outer sensors measure a constant distance for approximately 3
seconds.
The signal will not be switched off once the vehicle has reached the perma-
nent tone area.
Registering the obstacle
•Outer sensors front and rear: as of approx. 80 cm
•Centre sensors at the front: as of approx. 120 cm
•Centre sensors at the rear: as of approx. 160 cm