2009 Seat Alhambra power steering

Driving
164Starting
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Each time that the vehicle must be started, the ignition key must be turned to
the position . The repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition
key from the lock. The steering lock could be activated immediately - Risk
of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle,
even if you only intend to be gone for a short period. This is especially
important if you must leave children or disabled people in the vehicle, they
could accidentally start the engine or work electrical equipment such as
the windows possibly resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could result in the engine being started
or electrical systems, such as the electric windows, being used. This can
result in serious injury.Caution
The starter must not be used unless the vehicle is at a standstill (key position ). If the starter is used as soon as the engine is switched off, the starter or
the engine could be damaged.
Safety interlock for ignition key
The ignition key can only be taken out of the ignition lock if the
selector lever is in position P.After switching off the ignition, you can remove the ignition key only if the
automatic gearbox gear selector lever ⇒page 169 is in position P. The
selector lever is blocked after the ignition key has been removed.Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving
the vehicle.Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when you take the key
out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT
key.
A3A1
A3
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 164 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Driving167
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. The radiator fan can start auto-
matically if the hot engine causes the coolant temperature to rise, or if the sun
heats the engine compartment.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power assisted steering work only when the
engine is running. You need more strength to steer and brake the vehicle
when the engine is switched off. As you cannot steer and brake in the
normal manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and serious injury.
•
The steering lock can engage immediately when the key is removed
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.Caution
If the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-
heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage. For this reason, you
should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Manual gearboxManual gearboxSelecting the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the clutch right down.
–Put the gearlever ⇒ fig. 127 in the middle (neutral).
– Press the gearstick down and then to the left and forwards into the reverse position shown on the gearstick.The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When
the engine is running, before engaging this gear wait about 6 seconds with
the clutch pressed in fully in order to protect the gearbox.
When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
takes place:
Fig. 127 Manual gearbox
with shift diagram
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 167 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Driving
172N - neutral (idling)
If this position is selected, the gearbox is in neutral. Power is not transmitted
to the wheels and the engine does not have a braking function.
Never use the N position to drive down a hill. The engine does not function as
a brake and the brakes are subjected to excessive stain.
You could damage the automatic gearbox if you drive down hills with the
selector lever in position N and the engine switched off.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position the gearbox automatically changes automatically to a longer
or shorter gear, according to the driving style and speed. The braking effect
of the engine when driving downhill is very limited when the selector is in this
position. The display also shows which gear has been selected in addition to
position D.
If position N has been selected and you wish to select D, you must press the
foot brake if the vehicle is stationary, or travelling at under 5 km/h (approx.
3mph) ⇒.
WARNING
•
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Risk of accident!
•
Never drive the vehicle with the engine and the ignition switched off.
You could loose control of the vehicle. The brake servo only functions when
the engine is running as does the elector-mechanical steering system. You
need more strength to steer and brake the vehicle when the engine and the
ignition are switched off. As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and serious injury.Caution
If you allow the car to roll with the selector lever in position N with the engine
switched off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged as it will not be lubri-
cated.
Note
If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting D
again.
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 172 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Intelligent technology185
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.
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 185 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Intelligent technology
186•
The effectiveness of the ESP is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 227.Caution
I n o rd e r to e nsu r e tha t ES P a n d TCS fu n ct io n cor re c tl y, a ll fou r w h e el s m u st b e
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.Power steeringPower steering does not work if the engine is not running or if the power
steering system has developed a fault. In this case the steering wheel is very
hard to turn.
Caution
Do not keep the steering wheel in the full-lock position for longer than
15 seconds when the engine is running. This could cause damage to the
power steering system.Four-wheel drive*
In vehicles with four-wheel drive, the engine power is distrib-
uted to all four wheelsThe four-wheel drive system is fully automatic and does not require interven-
tion by the driver. The engine power is permanently distributed to all four wheels. The engine power is distributed automatically to both axles
according to the road conditions and how you drive.
Winter tyres
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we still recommend
that, in keeping with cars with front or rear wheel drive, winter tyres or all-
season tyres should be fitted on
all four wheels when winter road conditions
are expected, mainly because this will give a better braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory, they must be fitted to the front
wheels of cars with four-wheel drive.
Replacing tyres
In vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four tyres should have the same amount
of wear. All four wheels must have the same rolling circumference.
WARNING
Never drive too fast on icy, slippery or wet surfaces. You could lose control
of your vehicle if you drive too fast. This may result in serious injury.•
Therefore, it is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and
traffic conditions. Do not let the extra safety afforded by four-wheel drive
tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•
The four-wheel drive gives the vehicle good acceleration even in winter.
When braking, a four-wheel drive vehicle handles in the same way as a
front drive vehicle.
•
On wet roads the front wheels may start to “aquaplane” and lose
contact with the road if the car is driven too fast. If this should happen,
there will be no sudden increase in engine speed to warn the driver, as with
a front-wheel drive car.
WARNING (continued)
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 186 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

If and when
254Notes for tow-starting or towingIf a cable is used for towing the vehicle, please observe the
following:
As the driver of the towing vehicle
– Switch on the hazard warning lights. However, observe any regu-
lations to the contrary.
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
As the driver of the vehicle being towed
– Switch on the hazard warning lights. However, observe any regu- lations to the contrary.
– Place the gearstick in neutral or position N .
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material. Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving tips
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the
tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of over-
loading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate that you are going to
change direction. Move the turn signal lever accordingly. Meanwhile, the
hazard warning lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the
rest position, the hazard warning lights will automatically reconnect.
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. In this case the pedal
has to be pressed harder.
As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than you normally would.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•
Move the selector lever to N.
•
Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.
•
Do not tow further than 50 km.
•
If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 254 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

If and when255
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
The braking behaviour and capacity of a vehicle changes when being towed
or when you are trying to start the vehicle by pulling. Please observe the
following notes in order to prevent injury and accident:•
Inexperienced drivers should refrain from trying in order to avoid acci-
dent.
•
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
− The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operate. Take care not to bump into the towing vehicle.
− More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power
steering does not operate when the engine is switched off.
•
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
− Accelerate smoothly and avoid any sudden movement.
− Brake more in advance than usual and brake gently.Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it
⇒ page 252.
Note
•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
•
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
•
If, due to a breakdown, the gearbox does not have lubricant, the vehicle
should be towed with the drive wheels suspended.
•
If it is necessary to tow a vehicle with an automatic gearbox for more than
50 km, it should be towed by qualified personnel and with the drive wheels
suspended.
Lifting the vehicleVehicle lifting points
Fig. 175 Lifting with the
lifting platform: lifting
point at front leftFig. 176 Lifting with the
lifting platform: lifting
point at rear left
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 255 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Index
278Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Manual mode
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Mileage display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Mirrors Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Interior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Make-up mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Mobile phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Multifunction steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86NNavigation system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Net bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Number of seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18OObservations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Octane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Oil change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
On board computer with multifunction display* Check working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Message on display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
One-touch closing and opening electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Overview
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Multifunction steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
PPaintworkPolishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Parking distance warning system . . . . . . . . . . 175
Parking lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Parts replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Passenger compartment Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Trips to foreign countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Physical principles of a frontal collision . . . . . . 20
Plastic key tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Pollution filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Preheating system indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
RRaising the vehicle with the vehicle tool kit jack . . 241
Reading lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Rear door driving with the tailgate open . . . . . . . . . . 100
Rear fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Rear seats characteristics of seat equipment . . . . . . . 127
moving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Rear window heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Heating element wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Rear window wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Refilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Remote control key Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Synchronising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Repairs Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Replacement keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Replacing the battery Remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Replacing tyres Four-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Retractor See Automatic belt retractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 278 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13