2010 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

Lights and visibility 128
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen wiper intervals,
depending on the amount of rain Ÿ. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can
be adjusted manually. Manual wipe Ÿpage 125Move the lever to the required position Ÿfig. 75:
Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor on; automatic wipe if necessary.
Setting sensitivity level of rain sensor
Set control to the right: highly sensitive.
Set control to the left: less sensitive.
When the ignition is switched off and then back on, the rain sensor stays on
and starts operating again when the windscreen wipers are in position
and the vehicle is travelling at more than 4 km/h (2 mph).
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken readings on the sensitive surface
Ÿfig. 76 of the rain sensor include:
xDamaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activation time, reduce the washing intervals or result in a fast and contin-
uous wipe.
xInsects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen wipers.
xSalt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra long
wipe when the windscreen is almost dry.
xDirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wash) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
xCracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cycle
with the rain sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the reduction in the
sensitive surface area and adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sensor
will vary with the size of the damage caused by the stone.
WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain to switch on the wipers.
xIf necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
screen obstructs visibility.
Fig. 75 Windscreen wiper
lever: adjusting the rain
sensor .
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Fig. 76 Rain sensor
sensitive surface.
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Lights and visibility129
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the blades
for damage Ÿpage 128, fig. 76 (arrow).
Note
To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner containing
alcohol.
Checking and topping up the windscreen washer bottle with
water
Check the water level in the windscreen washer bottle regularly and top up as
required.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe washer bottle is marked with the symbol Y on the lid Ÿfig. 77.
xCheck there is enough water in the bottle.
xTo top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT Ÿ.
Please follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
xIn cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent the
water from freezing Ÿ.
Bottle capacity
The bottle holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight washer,
it is approximately 7.0 litres.
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the wind-
screen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the windscreen
which will impair visibility.
xUse clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
xIf necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water bottle.
Caution
xDo not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other products.
This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer jets.
xWhen topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result in
serious malfunctions and engine damage!
Fig. 77 In the engine
compartment: windscreen
washer bottle top.

Lights and visibility 130
Rear vision mirror
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xPersonal convenience settings in the SEAT information system Ÿpage 70
xSeat memory Ÿpage 137
xChanging gear Ÿpage 201
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror contains an electrolytic fluid
which may leak if the mirror is broken. This fluid can cause irritation to the
skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
xThe electrolytic fluid may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respira-
tory organs, particularly in individuals suffering from asthma or other
illnesses. Make sure that adequate quantities of fresh air enter and leave
the vehicle if it is not possible to open all the doors and windows.
xIf the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with eyes or skin, wash the
area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water, and seek medical advice.
xIf the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with shoes or clothing, wash
the area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Wash shoes and
clothing before wearing them again.
xIf the electrolytic fluid is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless recom-
mended by a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately.
Caution
If an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror is broken, the electrolytic fluid
may leak out. This fluid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it should be
cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar.

Lights and visibility131
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Rear vision mirror
The driver should always adjust the rear vision mirror to permit adequate visi-
bility through the rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for rear vision mirror
xBasic position: point the lever at the bottom of the mirror forwards.
xPull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function Ÿfig. 78.
Automatic anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
Legend for the fig. 79:
warning lamp
Control
Light incidence sensor
This function can be activated and deactivated by pressing the rear vision
mirror switch Ÿfig. 79 . When it is activated, the warning lamp lights up
.
When the ignition is on, the sensor automatically moves the rear vision
mirror to the anti-dazzle position depending upon the incidence of the light
from behind.
The automatic anti-dazzle function is deactivated when reverse gear is
engaged or the interior or reading lights are on.
Note
If the incidence of the light on the sensor is obstructed or prevented, e.g. by
the sun blinds, the rear vision mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function will
not operate correctly.
Fig. 78 Manual anti-
dazzle function for rear
vision mirror
Fig. 79 Automatic anti-
dazzle function for rear
vision mirror
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Lights and visibility 132
Exterior mirrors
Synchronised mirror adjustment
xIn the menu Settings - Convenience select whether or not the mirrors
should move in synchronisation Ÿpage 70.
xTurn the knob to position L.
xAdjust the left-hand exterior mirror. The right exterior mirror will be
adjusted at the same time (synchronised).
xIf necessary the right exterior mirror adjustment may need correcting. Turn
the knob to position R.
Automatic anti-dazzle exterior mirror, driver's side
The automatic anti-dazzle exterior mirror is controlled in the same way as the
automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror Ÿpage 131.
Store the reverse settings for the passenger exterior mirror
xSelect the vehicle key in which the setting is to be stored.
xUse this key to unlock the vehicle.
xConnect the automatic parking brake.
xSwitch the ignition on.
xMove the gear lever to neutral.
xIn the menu Settings - Convenience activate the function Mirror
adjustment.
xSelect reverse gear.
xAdjust the front passenger exterior mirror so that you can see, for
example, the kerb area.
xThe new position of the mirror will be stored automatically and allocated
to the vehicle key that was used to unlock the vehicle. For vehicles with seat
memory, please see Ÿpage 137.
Activating the passenger exterior mirror settings
xTurn the exterior mirror knob to position R.
xWith the ignition switched on, select reverse gear.
xThe stored position of the passenger exterior mirror for reverse gear is
deleted when driving forwards at 15 km/h, or if the knob is turned from posi-
tion R to another position.
Turn the knob to the required position:
#Electric folding exterior mirrors Ÿ.
?Switch on the exterior mirror heating This only heats up if the
ambient temperature is less than +20 °C (+68 °F).
,Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror by turning the knob for-
wards, backwards, to the left or to the right.
2Adjust the right-hand exterior mirror by turning the knob for-
wards, backwards, to the left or to the right.
Zero position. Exterior mirror unfolded, exterior mirror heating
off, adjustment of exterior mirror not possible.
Fig. 80 In the driver door:
exterior mirror controls

Lights and visibility133
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WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking care to avoid injuries.
xOnly fold or unfold the exterior mirror when there is no-one in the way
of the mirror.
xWhen moving the mirror, take care not to trap fingers between the
mirror and the mirror bracket.
WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of the vehicle behind could lead
to serious accident.
xRear-view convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision,
however objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
xThe use of these mirrors to estimate the distance to the next vehicle
when changing lane is imprecise and could result in serious accident.
xIf possible, use the rear vision mirror to estimate distances to vehicles
behind you or in other circumstances.
xMake sure that the rear visibility is adequate.
Caution
xBefore entering a car wash, always ensure that the exterior mirrors are
correctly folded in.
xElectrically-folding exterior mirrors should not be folded and unfolded
mechanically as this may damage the electrical operation.
For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer
needed. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
The exterior mirror heating initially heats up with a high power, after two
minutes the heat will depend upon the ambient temperature.
Note
In the event of faults, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted manually
by pressing the edge of the mirror surface.

Seats and storage compartments 134
Seats and storage compartments
Seat adjustment
Mechanical controls on the front seat
The controls are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Mechanically and electrically adjusted controls can be combined on the seat.
Fig. 81 Front left seat
controls.
fig. 81FunctionNecessary operations
Moving the head
restraint backwards or
forwards.Pull the lever and move the seat for-
wards. The front seat must be
engaged when the lever is released!
Adjusting the lumbar
support.Turn the lever.
Adjusting the backrest
angle.Turn the wheel.
Adjusting the seat
height.Pull the lever up or push down (sev-
eral times if necessary) from its home
position.
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Seats and storage compartments135
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Electrical controls on the front seat
The controls are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Mechanically and electrically adjusted controls can be combined on the seat.
WARNING
Using the front electric seats in a careless or uncontrolled manner may lead
to severe injuries.
xThe front seats can also be electrically adjusted when the ignition is
switched off. Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle.
xIn the event of an emergency, stop electrical adjustment by pressing
any button.
Caution
So as not the damage the electrical components of the front seats, do not
kneel on the seats or apply specific pressure to one point of the seat or back-
rest.
Note
It may not be possible to electrically adjust the seat if the vehicle battery is
very low.
Fig. 82 Adjusting the
front left seat forwards or
backwards, the height,
the seat angle and the
front seat backrest.
Fig. 83 Adjusting the
lumbar support.
page 135, fig. 82 Press the control in the direction of the arrow:
Move the seat backwards or forwards.
and Raise or lower the seat.
or Adjust the seat angle.
Forwards or
backwards.Adjust the backrest angle.
fig. 83 Press the corresponding area of the switch:
or Adjust the curve of the lumbar support.
or Adjust the height of the lumbar support.
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