2008 Seat Alhambra trailer

Intelligent technology183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te 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.
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Driving and the environment185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum speed.
– Do not use full throttle.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
– Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil
consumption reduced.
Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with
brake pads which have been run-in.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not give maximum grip to start with, and need running in.
This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500 km.
•
New brake pads must be “run in” an d do not have the correct friction
properties during the first 200 km. However, you can compensate for the
slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pressure on the brake
pedal.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by SEAT
Service more frequently than recommended in the service schedule.
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Driving and the environment
190Trailer towingWhat do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?The vehicle can, if suitably equipped, be used to tow a trailer or caravan.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket ⇒page 204.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug, you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available from SEAT Service.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weights. If you do not load the
trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb corre-
spondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). Where possible, operate the trailer
with the maximum permitted draw bar weight on the ball joint of the towing
bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights given on the data plate
of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures
for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and “Technical data”. Gross combination weight
The gross combination weight is the actual weight of the laden vehicle plus
the actual weight of the laden trailer. If the maximum permissible trailer
weight is to be utilized, the weight of the vehicle may have to be reduced.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressu re
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permitted pressure shown on the sticker on
the inside of the tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in accord-
ance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
Headlight adjustment
If towing a trailer the dipped light may dazzle other drivers. Use the headlight
range control to lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range
control, have the headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership.
WARNING
•
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
•
To avoid dazzling other drivers, adjust the dipped beam according to
the load. If not, an accident may occur.
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Driving and the environment191
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket
The removable ball coupling of the towing bracket is stored
with the tools on board behind the right-hand side trim of the
luggage compartment.It is necessary to first tense the towing bracket removing the ball
coupling. Remove the towing bracket from the luggage compartment
– Open the lock by turning the key
⇒fig. 135 clockwise.
– Take out the wheel completely in the direction of the arrow and turn clockwise to the maximum.
– Release the wheel. The towing bracket is pretensed.
– Remove the towing bracket.
Storing towing bracket in the luggage compartment
– First tension the towing bracket.
– Place the towing bracket in its casing on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The bracket engages and the tension
is released ⇒ .
– Check that it is correctly fitted.
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
If the ball coupling is fitted it s possible to store the cover of the tow-bar in a
plastic bag next to the tools.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely to prevent it
being flung through the vehicle and causing injury.•
When the pretensed towing bracket is being fitted, there is a risk of
injury in the event that the wheel goes back on itself.
Fig. 135 Location of
towing bracket
A1
A2
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Driving and the environment
192
NoteBy law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed and
it obscures the number plate.•
When placing the towing bracket in the casing check that it is no longer
tensed and securely fastened.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For this
reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible top speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear (in both manual and
automatic gearboxes) in good time before going down a steep hill. This
enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle. Overheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed, always monitor the temperature indicator for the
coolant.
Electronic Stabilisation Program
Do not switch off the ESP when towing a trailer. The ESP makes it easier to
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications205
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If a towing bracket is to be retro-fitted to the car, it must be done according to
the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket ⇒
page 204, fig. 136 are
underneath the vehicle.
Always observe the minimum distance from the middle of the ball coupling to
the ground (350 to 420 mm). This also applies when the vehicle is fully laden,
including maximum drawbar load.
Fitting a towing bracket
•
Driving with a trailer implies additional work for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.
•
Observe the legal requirements in your country (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate pilot lamp).
•
Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts have to be tightened using a
torque wrench, and a socket connected to the vehicle's electrical system. This
requires specialist knowledge and tools.
•
The figures in the illustration show the dimensions and attachment points
which must be observed if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, it should be done by a qualified dealer.•
If the towing bracket is incorrectly fitted, this could cause a safety risk.
•
For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
If the connector socket is not fitted correctly, this could cause damage to the
vehicle's electrical system.
AA
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Checking and refilling levels
214
NoteBefore a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒page 209.
– Park the vehicle on an even surface.
– Stop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump.
–Raise the bonnet ⇒ page 211. – Pull out the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as
far as it will go.
– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.
If the oil level is in area ⇒fig. 141 , you must not top up with oil.
If the oil level is in area , you may top up with oil (approx. 0,5 l).
If the oil level is in area , you must top up with oil (approx. 1,0 l).
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Consumption
can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing on mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area (but not above).
WARNING
Special care must be taken when working on the engine or on components
in the engine compartment.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 209.Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact SEAT Service
Centre
®.
Fig. 141 Dipstick
AA
ABAC
AA
AA
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If and when
236
WARNING
•
Do not allow the sealant to get onto your skin or into your eyes. Risk of
injury.
•
Keep children away from the sealant.
Changing a wheel Preparation
You must park the vehicle correctly before changing a tyre.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the car as far away from the flow of traffic as possible on a flat surface.
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the selector in the P position.
– Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being changed with a stone or similar object.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Remove the spare wheel and the vehicle tools from the luggage compartment.
– All passengers should leave the car. They should wait in a safe place (for instance behind the safety barrier).
WARNING
•
If you have a puncture, stop the car well away from moving traffic.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set the emergency triangle in
position. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
•
All passengers should leave the car.
•
Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the gear selector
in the P position. Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being changed with
a stone or similar object.
•
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
•
Only use jacks which have been approved for your vehicle by SEAT.
•
Never use other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other
SEAT models. The jack could slip. Risk of injury.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. This may cause an
accident.
•
Never place your body (e.g. arm or leg) underneath the vehicle if it is
only supported by the jack Risk of injury.
•
If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle - Risk of accident!.
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