
Airbag system43
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any way.
•
The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in the
interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the side and
head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be modified in
any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged in any way,
this may affect the correct working of the system. All work carried out on
the front door must be made in a qualified workshop.
Deactivating airbags*Disabling front passenger front and side airbags
The passenger airbags must be disconnected when a rear
facing child seat is fitted in the front passenger seat.
The key switch can be used to disconnect the front and side airbag
for the passenger seat. All the other airbags in the vehicle remain
functional.
Disabling front and side airbags for front passenger
–Switch off ignition.
– Open centre compartment on instrument panel.
– Using the ignition key, turn the switch to OFF ⇒fig. 28 .
– Check if, when the ignition is switched on, that the warning lamp “PASS AIRBAG OFF” on the instrument panel ⇒fig. 29 remains lit
⇒ .
– Close centre compartment on instrument panel:
Enabling front and side airbags for front passenger
–Switch off ignition.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 28 Interior of centre
compartment on instru-
ment panel: Key switch for
switching off the front
passenger airbags
Fig. 29 Warning lamp for
disabling airbag in dash
panel
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 43 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10

Airbag system
44
– Open centre compartment on instrument panel.
– Using the ignition key, turn the switch to ON ⇒page 43, fig. 28.
– Check if, when the ignition is switched on, that the warning lamp “PASS AIRBAG OFF” on the instrument panel ⇒page 43, fig. 29
does not light up ⇒ .
– Close centre compartment on instrument panel.
WARNING
•
The driver is responsible for the proper position of the key-operated
switch.
•
You should only disable the front and side passenger airbags if, in
exceptional cases, you have to use a rear-facing child seat on the front
passenger seat ⇒page 45.
•
Never fit a child seat in the passenger seat, where the child faces back-
wards to the direction of travel and the frontal airbag has not been deacti-
vated. This is highly dangerous for the child. However, if it is necessary in
exceptional circumstances to transport a child in a rear-facing child seat on
the front passenger seat, you must always disable the front passenger
airbag.
•
As soon as the child seat will no longer be used on the front passenger
seat, enable the front and side passenger airbag again.
•
Only deactivate the front and side passenger airbag when the ignition
is off, otherwise a fault may occur in the airbag system, this will create the
risk of the front, curtain or side airbag not deploying properly or not at all
in the event of an accident.
•
If, while the front and side passenger airbag are turned off, the indi-
cator PASS. AIRBAG OFF does not remain lit, this could indicate a fault in
the airbag system: −
Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a qualified work-
shop.
− Do not use a child seat on the front passenger seat! The front and
side passenger airbag may deploy during an accident in spite of the
fault.
− It is impossible to determine whether the front or side airbags will be
triggered in case of accident. Inform your passengers of this.
WARNING (continued)
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 44 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10

Cockpit61
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Operating instructionsCockpitOverviewOverview 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Cup 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
A1
92
A2
119
A3
101
A4
109
A5
109
A6A7
111, 176
A8
62, 70
A9
36
A10
162
A11
116
A12
115
115
125
182
A13
152
A14
A15
136
A16
134
A17
110
174
125
A18
134
A19
36
A20
133
A21
166
A22
139
A23
101
A24
173
A25A26
160
A27
241
A28
211
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 61 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10

Cockpit63
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te 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) ⇒page 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
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.The display only works when the ignition is switched on. The symbol 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 ⇒fig. 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 ⇒page 70.
Needle in warning zone
The warning lamp 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 Instrument panel:
engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge
AA
A2
ABACAC
A9
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 63 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10

Cockpit
66between 12 and 15 volts. If the voltage drops below 12 volts when the engine
is running, you should have the power supply (battery and alternator)
checked by a qualified dealership.
Note
The voltage may drop below 8 volts while the engine is being started.Service Interval Display The service display is shown either on the mileage display ⇒page 62, fig. 44
or in the display
7) in the combi-instrument ⇒ page 62, fig. 44 .
Service warning
A service pre-warning will appear in the odometer if a service is due soon. A
spanner symbol
appears in the display along with the miles and the
number of kilometres until the next service. The service message will disap-
pear approximately 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on or if the
engine is running.
The distance quoted to the next scheduled service is reduced in increments
of 100 miles.
The following information text displayed in the instrument panel display:
SERVICE IN... KM OR SERVICE IN... DAYS . The service message will disappear
approximately 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on or the engine is
running. The normal display can be resumed by pressing the reset button on
the trip counter or by pressing the rocker switch of the windscreen wiper lever .
If a service is due , a gong signal will sound and the flashing “spanner”
symbol will appear for approximately 20 seconds. The following information
text displayed in the instrument panel display: SERVICE NOW. With the ignition switched on, you can call up the current service message
by
pressing the trip counter reset knob for 2 seconds.
An overdue service is indicated by a minus sign in front of the mileage or day
information.
Resetting the service display
The display is reset by the SEAT dealer after the service has been carried out.
You will receive a print-out from the SEAT dealership as confirmation that this
work has been carried out.
If the service is not carried out by a SEAT Service centre, the service interval
display will have to be reset manually as follows:
•
Switch off ignition.
•
Press and hold the reset knob for the trip meter.
•
Turn the ignition on and turn the reset button to the right. The display will
return to the normal mode.Note
•
The next service will be displayed after 15,000 km (10,000 miles) if you
reset the service display yourself. The service interval will not be determined
individually.
•
Do not reset the display between service intervals as the display will
otherwise be incorrect.
7)Optional equipmentA10
A3
AB
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 66 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10

Cockpit73
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te 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. Further information see page 176.
Operating the foot brake
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 wa rning lamp ligh ts up when the r ear fo
g light is switched on
. Fu rther
in fo rmation ⇒ page 108.
Faults in diesel engines
This indicator 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
. 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 si gnals
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 ⇒page 111.
Engine management
This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp
(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 ⇒page 111.
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 73 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10

Cockpit
74Fault in the exhaust system*
Exhaust gas indicator
If the indicator
flashes it signals possible damage to the catalytic
converter caused by defective combustion. Reduce speed immediately and
go to the nearest specialised 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 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 specialised workshop to check the engine.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThe 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 ⇒ page 181.
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
programme.
This programme 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.
•
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)
A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp
should 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
does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•
The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 74 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10

Cockpit
76Brake system* / handbrake
The warning lamp lights up if th e handbrake is applied, if the
brake fluid level falls too low or if there is a fault in the brake
system.
This warning lamp
lights up if
•
If the handbrake is on
•
If the brake fluid level is too low
•
If there is a fault in the brake system
This warning lamp can light up together with the anti-lock brake system
warning lamp.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
•
If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low. Risk of accident.
Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp
lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp
, 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.
Alternator
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp
lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go
out when the engine has started running. If the warning lamp
lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest qualified
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessary
because this will drain the battery.
If the indicator flashes the voltage is insufficient for normal vehicle
operation.
Fuel level / reserve
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is down to
the reserve level.This lights when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. Also, an audible
warning is given. This serves as a reminder to fill up with fuel at the earliest
opportunityBulb defect
The warning lamp lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exte-
rior lighting is defective.The warning lamp
lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exterior lighting
(e.g. left-hand main beam) is defective.
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 76 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10