2008 Seat Alhambra check engine light

Cockpit75
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
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 ⇒page 180.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system ⇒ .
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp
 should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 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
. Please
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL ⇒page 182.
Diesel particulate 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 particulates, 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
particulate filter is to drive in 4th or 5th gear, at approximately 2,000 rpm
⇒ . This causes a temperature increase sufficient to burn the soot in the
filter.
If the lamp
 remains lit afterwards, go to a specialised 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.
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Cockpit77
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Tailgate open display*

When the ignition is switched on, the warning light indicates that the tailgate
is open.
The warning light only goes off when the tailgate is completely closed.Washer fluid

This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low.This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
⇒ page 218.Door open display*

This light comes on when a door is open or incorrectly closed.Brake pad wear indicator*

As the brake pad wear indicator only monitors the front brake pads, it is advis-
able to have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time.
WARNING
Have the brake pads inspected immediately by a qualified dealership if the
warning display
 lights up.
Engine oil pressure

The warning light indicates that the engine oil pressure is too
low or that the oil gauge does not operate correctly.It lights up or flashes in red (oil pressure too low)
If the warning light lights up or starts to flash in red while driving, a sound
signal will also be emitted three times when the engine speed exceeds 1500
rpm. Stop and switch off the engine: check the oil level and replace if neces-
sary ⇒page 214.
If the warning light flashes even though the oil level is correct, do not
continue driving The engine should not be turning even at idle speed. Obtain
technical assistance.
If, while driving, the engine speed falls to below idling speed, the oil pressure
warning light may come on. Increase the engine speed by accelerating or
dropping to a lower gear.
A yellow light comes on (oil level* too low)
If the warning light comes on in yellow, this indicates that the oil level is too
low. Switch off engine, check oil level, replacing where necessary.
When the bonnet is opened the oil level warning will fall to zero. But if it is not
topped with oil, the light will come back on after approximately 100 km.
Yellow flashing (defective oil level*)
If the oil gauge is faulty, a sound signal is emitted and the warning light
flashes several times.
At the same time, a warning appears briefly on the on board computer
display*. The engine should immediately be checked by a Technical Service
Centre.
From the moment the defect appears until the engine is checked, the level of
oil should be constantly monitored, preferably every time the vehicle is
refuelled.
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Cockpit
78Coolant Level* / temperature

The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too
high or if the coolant level is too low.There is a fault if:•
The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while
three acoustic warning signals ⇒ are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature
is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial. Stop the vehicle,
switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary ⇒page 241.
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance, stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine . Contact an Authorised Service Centre
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
The following information text is displayed in the instrument panel display.
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity ⇒.
WARNING
•
If your vehicle is immobilised for any technical reasons, move it to a
sa fe dista n ce from tra ffic. Tu rn o ff the en gin e , tu rn o n the ha za rd ligh ts a nd
place the warning triangle.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area!
Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment, switch off the
engine and allow it to cool down. Always note the corresponding warnings
⇒ page 209.WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit
80Where one or more faults exist, the warning disappears some 15 seconds
after the engine is started, and the corresponding fault symbols with their
respective text messages appear on the display.
For all vehicles
A sound signal is emitted in the event of a fault:•
Priority 1 - three buzzes
•
Priority 2 - one buzz
If priority 1 and 2 faults occur at the same time, three buzzes are emitted.
In the event of a fault, the symbol with the corresponding text message is
displayed.Note
Priority 2 faults are displayed after repairing or eliminating priority 1 faults.Priority 1 (red symbols)
Priority 1 symbols warn of a dangerous situation. Therefore
the engine should be stopped and switched off.Where various priority 1 faults exist, the symbols appear one by one for
approx 2 seconds The symbols will keep flashing until the faults have been
rectified.
The following priority 1 warnings or faults may appear:
Engine oil pressure

The corresponding warning is:
STOP PRES. OIL
STOP ENGINE! If this symbol begins to flash while driving, stop and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level and replace if necessary.
If the symbol continues flashing, even though the oil level is correct, do not
continue driving. The engine should not turn over even at idling speed, tech-
nical assistance is necessary.
Brake system

The corresponding warning is:
STOP BRAKE FLUID
SERVICE MANUAL.
This symbol lights up if the level of brake fluid is too low. Stop the vehicle
immediately and check the level of the brake fluid
2. ABS, EDL*, TCS* and ESP* systems
The corresponding warning is:
STOP BRAKES FAULTY
SERVICE MANUAL.
If the brake warning light flashes while the ABS warning light is lit up, this
indicates that the ABS system is faulty and that the behaviour of the normal
brake system may be damaged.
The EDS system works in conjunction with the ABS. If the EDS stops working,
the ABS warning lamp comes on. When the ASR and the ESP fail this light also
comes on. Consult a Technical Service Centre as soon as possible.
3. Handbrake
The corresponding warning is:
HANDBRAKE ON
The handbrake warning lamp lights up when the handbrake is applied with
the ignition on It should go out when the handbrake is released. If it does not
this indicates a fault in the brake system.
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Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
An audible signal is also given if the car is driven faster than 6 km/h (approx.
4 mph) with the handbrake applied.
Coolant temperature/level gauge

The corresponding warning is:
STOP CHECK LEVEL COOLANT
SERVICE MANUAL.
If the symbol flashes while driving, this means that either the coolant temper-
ature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Stop immediately, switch off
the engine and check the level. Top up coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. In this case, check the radiator fan fuse, and replace if
necessary.
If the warning light does not go out, although the coolant level is correct and
the fan fuse is correct, do not continue driving. Obtain technical assistance.
If the fault is only in the radiator fan, it is possible to continue driving as far
as the nearest Technical Service Centre, as long as the coolant level is correct
and the display light is off.
Alternator

The corresponding warning is:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!
The warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go out
when the engine is started.
The alternator is operated by a long-lasting drive belt.
If the warning light lights up while driving, stop, switch off the engine and
check the drive belt. If the belt is loose or broken, do not continue driving, as
the coolant pump will not be driven. The belt should be checked or replaced.
If the warning light comes on even though the belt is neither loose nor
broken, it is usually possible to continue driving to the nearest Technical
Service Centre.
As the vehicle battery will discharge, it is advisable to switch off all non-vital
electrical consumers.
Seat belt warning lamp

The corresponding warning is:
FASTEN SEAT BELT
This warning light (only in some countries) lights up for approximately 6
seconds when the ignition is switched on to remind occupants to fasten seat-
belts. If the seat belts are not fastened, a sound signal is emitted when the
ignition is switched on which will stop when the seat belts are fastened or
after approximately 6 seconds.
WARNING
•
If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, you should wait for
assistance from specialised personnel before continuing to drive.
•
If the fluid level is correct, the fault may lie in the ABS. If the ABS control
system fails, the rear wheels may block rapidly on braking. This, in certain
circumstances, could cause the vehicle to skid.
•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment. Risk of burns. Wait until you can no longer see or
hear escaping steam or coolant.
•
Do not touch the fan, as it could suddenly start to operate, even if the
ignition is switched off.
•
To prevent burns from boiling coolant, the following should be
observed:
•
Take care when opening the coolant expansion tank!. When the engine
is warm or hot, the system is pressurised! Therefore wait until the engine
cools before opening the cap.
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Cockpit
82•
To protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or fluid, cover the
fan cap with a large cloth in order to open it.
•
Take care to avoid coolant spilling on the exhaust pipe or any other hot
component as antifreeze is inflammable.
Priority 2 (yellow symbols)If a yellow symbol appears, a sound signal is emitted. The symbols indicate
a dangerous situation. The function shown should be controlled as fast as
possible. If various faults occur at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one by one for approx. 2 seconds.
Oil level too low

The corresponding warning is:
CHECK LEVEL OIL
If the symbol lights up: stop, switch off the engine and check the oil level,
topping up where necessary.
Oil level too low

The corresponding warning is:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
If the symbol flashes this probably means that the oil level sensor is defec-
tive. The vehicle should immediately be taken to a Technical Service Centre.
It is possible to continue driving, but the oil level should be continually moni-
tored, e.g. every time the vehicle is refuelled.
Engine fault
- Petrol engine

- Diesel engine

The corresponding warning is:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
If a fault in the running of the engine arises while driving, the corresponding
light will come on (petrol engine) or flash (diesel engine). In this case the
engine should be checked immediately by a Technical Service Centre.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The corresponding warning is:
ABS FAULT
A fault in the ABS system is shown in the following manner:
If the ABS warning light comes on separately, it is possible to brake the
vehicle using the normal brake system (without ABS). Consult a Technical
Service Centre as soon as possible.
Electronic immobiliser

The corresponding warning is:
IMMOBILIS.ACTIVE
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
If an unauthorised key is used, the warning light will flash constantly. It will
not be possible to start the vehicle.
Tailgate/bonnet open display *

The corresponding warning is:
TA ILGATE OPEN
This warning light only indicates that the tailgate is open.
WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology179
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Tips and MaintenanceIntelligent technologyBrakesBrake servoThe 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

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
 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

If the warning lamp comes on, this may be caused by the
following reasons:•
With the handbrake on the warning light comes on
 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
 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 ⇒page 221
•
In the event of a fault in the brake system the warning lamp lights up

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
 can light up together with the anti-locking
brake system warning lamp
 ⇒ .
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Intelligent technology
182•
If the brake warning lamp
 should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 221. If the fluid level has dropped below the
“MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident. You should obtain
professional assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. This could cause the
rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the tail of the
vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop
and have the fault corrected.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.The electronic differential lock (EDL) only works when the engine is running.
EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
It uses the ABS sensors to monitor the speed of the driven wheels.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-
ences in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by
a slippery road surface on one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other
driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The car remains operational
and will behave in the same way as a car without EDL. For this reason, the
driver is not informed that the EDL has been switched off. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
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.•
When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow,
press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may other-
wise start to spin. This could impair the car's stability.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit road conditions and the traffic
situation.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.Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)
The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the
danger of skidding.The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL and TCS
and only works when the engine is running.
The ESP should generally be left switched on at all times. Only when the
necessary drive can not be obtained should the ESP be disconnected.
For example:•
when driving with snow chains,
WARNING (continued)
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