2009 Seat Alhambra ESP

Overview
76Fault 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 183.
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.
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Overview77
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 182.
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 211, “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 223, “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 184.
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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Overview
80Coolant 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 243.
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 211WARNING (continued)
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Overview81
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
On board computer with multifunction displayDescription
The information from the multi-function indicator and on board computer is
shown on these displays. The functions and indications of the multi-function
indicator are described in the chapter “Intruments”.
When the ignition is switched on, the on-board computer continually controls
the working of certain systems and vehicle components while the vehicle is
in motion.
Faults in the operation or urgent repairs or services are indicated by sound
signals and light warnings in red or yellow,depending on priority, on the
instrument panel.
In addition to the red and yellow symbols, text messages appear on the
driver's display.
Note
•
Depending on the model version or the country, it is possible that the
equipment installed in your vehicle does not display certain messages, or
they do not correspond with those in this manual. For this reason, we advise
you to consult the chapter “Luminous Indicators” for complementary informa-
tion on the different symbols and a description of their function.
Check operationVehicles with a manual gearbox
If faults exist, these will be indicated after the ignition is switched on. The
corresponding sound signal is emitted at the same time.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Once the ignition is switched on with the lever in position P or N, the driver
warning appears on the display:
WITH CAR STOPPED, DEPRESS BRAKE TO SELECT GEAR
After selecting a gear ( R, D , etc) the warning is erased.
Fig. 49 Vehicle instru-
ment panel display with
telematic or navigation
system.Fig. 50 Display in vehicle
with on-board computer.
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Overview
82Where 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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Overview83
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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Overview
84•
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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Overview85
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The warning light only goes off when the tailgate is completely closed ( to the
second position)
Windscreen washer*

The corresponding warning is:
TOP UP WASHER FLUID
This symbol lights up to indicate that the windscreen washer level is too low.
Top up windscreen and headlight washer fluid*
Fuel level low

The corresponding warning is:
PLEASE REFUELNavigation system *
If the vehicle has a navigation system it is possible to go from one display to
the other using the button on the windscreen wiper lever ( by holding it
pressed in for over 2 seconds):•
Navigation display
•
Multifunction display
When the navigation display or the multifunction display are activated, the
possible faults are mainly displayed on the on-board computer screen.
Instructions for the use of the SEAT navigation system are included in a sepa-
rate handbook.
Fig. 51 Button on the
windscreen washer lever:
Fig. 52 On-board
computer display:
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