2009 Seat Alhambra stop start

Contents3
ContentsThe structure of this manual
. . . . .
Content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety First
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation of child seats in vehicle seats . . . . .
Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview of the instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display in the instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On board computer with multifunction display .
Steering wheel controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key with remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding/tilting sun roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and stowage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays, cigarette lighter and electrical sockets
AUX-IN Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard warning triangles and first aid kit . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling and heating box* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
. .
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking distance warning system* . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips and Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas emission control system . . . . . . . .
Economical and environmentally friendly driving
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
. . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the vehicle interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
6
7
7
7
10
15
16
18
18
20
23
31
33
33
37
40
42
44
46
46
48
51
54 63
63
63
64
69
72
81
86
87
88
88
89
95
97
99
102
105
109
109
115
117
119
122
122
123
125
127
134
140
143
144
144 149
150
153
153
161
161
162
163
165
167
168
174
175
177
181
181
181
187
187
188
189
191
192
195
195
196
201
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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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Overview
78Brake 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
opportunity.Bulb 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.
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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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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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Lights and visibility109
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Lights and visibilityLightsSwitching lights on and off

Switching on the daylight driving light (only available in some
countries)
– To switch on the daylight driving lights, leave the light switch in
position O when you turn on the ignition.
Switching on the side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒fig. 70 to position

⇒ .
Switching on dipped headlights
– Turn the light switch to position

. Switching off the lights
– Turn the light switch to position O.
Switching on the front fog lights
17)
– Pull the switch out of position

or

to the first stop. The
symbol
 in the light switch lights up.
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with no front fog lights)
– Pull the switch out of position

to the last stop. A warning lamp
lights up in the instrument panel. 
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with front fog lights)
– Pull the switch out of position

or

to the second stop. A
warning lamp lights up in the control panel.

The dipped beam headlights will only work with the ignition on. The head-
lights are automatically switched to the side light setting while the engine is
being started and after the ignition has been switched off.
The daylight driving light
18) automatically comes on when the ignition is
switched on. It is not necessary to turn on the light switch. The daylight
driving lights are switched on as long as the ignition is switched on.
Rear fog light
The rear fog light is so bright that it may dazzles drivers behind. You should
use the rear fog light only when visibility is very poor.
Fig. 70 Detailed view of
dash panel lights, fog
light and rear fog light
control
17)Optional equipment18)for selected markets only
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