2009 Seat Alhambra maintenance

Overview65
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 72.
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
the combi-instrument display. Stop the car and switch off the engine. Allow
the engine to cool and check the coolant level ⇒.
Even if the coolant level is correct do not continue driving . You should obtain
technical assistance.
WARNING
Read and observe the warnings “Working in the engine compartment”
before opening the bonnet to carry out work in the engine compartment.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.
F i g . 4 5 I n s t r u m e n t p a n e l :
engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge
5)Depending on model version
AA
A2
ABACAC
A9
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Overview67
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Setting the clock
The setting knob is located beneath the rev counter.Setting the hour
– Turn the setting knob ⇒page 64, fig. 44 briefly in an anti-
clockwise direction to move the hour forward by one hour or
– turn and hold the setting knob in an anti-clockwise direction to move the hour forward more quickly.
Setting the minutes
– Turn the setting knob briefly in a clockwise direction to set the clock forward by one minute or
– Turn and hold the setting knob in a clockwise direction to set the minutes forward more quickly.Mileage displayThe top counter of the mileage display ⇒page 64, fig. 44 registers the
total mileage covered by the vehicle.
The lower counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates steps
of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by the reset button
⇒ page 64, fig. 44 .Voltmeter The voltmeter ⇒page 64, fig. 44 indicates the voltage of the vehicle elec-
trical system. The voltage of the electrical system should normally be between 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 64, fig. 44
or in the display
7) in the combi-instrument ⇒page 64, 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.
A8
A10
A9
A11
7)Optional equipmentA10
A3
AB
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Overview69
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Display in the instrument panel Fault messages
Faults are shown by warning lamps and / or as symbols with
warning and information reports on the display.The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the igni-
tion is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Functional problems are
shown by warning lamps and / or red or yellow symbols with fault texts on the combi-instrument. Depending on the exact nature of the functional problem,
audible warnings may also be given.
Note
•
Th e size o f t h e d isp l ay d e p en ds on th e ty p e o f com b i - ins tr u m e n t y ou h av e
fitted. In some models, the combi-instrument does not have an integrated
display.
•
In addition to warning messages given on a fault, you will receive informa-
tion in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
Overview of selected fault messages
Fault messages are displayed on the combi-instrument display.The following overview does not show all fault messages. Not all fault
messages are displayed with a symbol. Warning symbols (priority 1)
If the symbol lights up again after a fault has been corrected, you should stop
the vehicle immediately, switch off the engine and seek professional advice.
Fault message
Symbol Action
STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL

Stop the car, turn the engine off and check the brake fluid level
⇒ page 223.
HANDBRAKE ON

Release the handbrake.
STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL
 and
Stop the car, turn the engine off and seek professional help ⇒page 181
STOP CHECK COOLANT SERVICE MANUAL

Checking coolant level ⇒ page 218
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Overview71
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Fault message prioritiesPriority 1 fault messages (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by three audible warnings ⇒ . This is a danger warning.
Stop the car and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. The symbols will
keep flashing until the faults have been rectified.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warning
report.
Priority 2 fault messages (yellow):
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied
by one audible warning . The function should be checked as soon as possible.
If several priority 2 warning reports are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
Priority 2 warning reports will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
reports have been dealt with!
WARNING
Failure to observe fault texts and warning lamps can result in serious
personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
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Overview73
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a

If lit: preheating system active.
If flashing: there is a fault in the engine management (die-
sel engines). Contact a specialist workshop. ⇒
page 75

Tu rn si g na ls ⇒page 75

Engine fault (petrol engine) ⇒page 75

Main beam headlights ⇒page 75


Fault in the emission control system ⇒page 76

Tra ct io n co n tro l s yste m TC S ⇒page 76

Electronic Stabilising Program* (ESP) ⇒page 76

Anti-lock brake system ABS
⇒page 76


Diesel particulate filter ⇒page 77

Brakes/Handbrake ⇒page 78

Alternator ⇒page 78

Seat belt warning lamp* ⇒page 18

Fuel reserve ⇒page 78

Fault in lights* ⇒page 78
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
A6A7A8A9A10A11A11A12A13A14A15A16A17A18
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Overview75
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.
For further notes on the cruise control system see
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 warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on
. Further
information ⇒page 109.
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 112.
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 112.
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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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Overview79
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 220.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 216.
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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