2010 Seat Alhambra bonnet

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning283
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Notes for the user
Labels and plates
Some parts in the engine compartment come from the factory with certifi-
cates of safety, labels or plates containing important information regarding
the operation of the vehicle, for example, on the petrol cap, on the
passenger's sun visor, on the driver's door strut, or on the floor of the luggage
compartment.
xNever remove these certificates of safety, labels or plates, and ensure
they are kept in good condition and are legible.
xIf a vehicle part, bearing a certificate of safety, label or plate, is replaced,
the qualified workshop should attach the information back in the same place.
Certificate of safety
A certificate of safety on the door strut states that all the safety standards and
regulations established by the national traffic authorities responsible for
road safety were met at the time of manufacture. It may also give the month
and year of manufacture, together with the chassis number.
Warning of high voltage label*
There is a label close to the bonnet lock which warns of high voltage in the
vehicle electrical installation. The vehicle ignition system complies with
several standards, including the Canadian standard, ICES-002.
Using your vehicle in other countries and continents
The vehicle is manufactured at the factory for use in a particular country in
accordance with the national legislation in force at the time of manufacture.If the vehicle is sold in another country or used in another country for an
extended period of time, the applicable legislation of that country should be
observed.
It may be necessary to fit or remove certain pieces of equipment or to deacti-
vate certain functions. Service work may also be affected. This is particularly
true if the vehicle is used in a different climate for an extended period of time.
As there are different types of frequency bands around the world, you may
find that the radio or navigation system supplied at the factory does not work
in another country.
Caution
xSEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the use
of a lower quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of
genuine spare parts.
xSEAT does not accept liability if the vehicle does not comply in part or in
full with the legal requirements of other countries or continents.
Radio reception and the aerial
The aerial of radio and navigation systems fitted at the factory may be
mounted in different parts of the vehicle:
xOn the inside of the rear window, next to the rear window heating,
xon the inside of the rear side windows,
xon the inside of the windscreen,
xon the roof of the car.
Aerials mounted on the inside of a window can be recognised by the fine
wires.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications289
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a The storing of the data allows specialised workshops to detect and repair
faults. Stored data may include:
xData relating to the engine or the gearbox
xSpeed
xDirection of travel
xBraking force
xDetection of seat belt
The vehicle control units never record conversations held by passengers in
the vehicle.
In vehicles equipped with an emergency call function via the mobile phone or
other appliances connected in the vehicle, it is possible to send the vehicle
position. If the control unit records an accident with airbag activation, the
system may automatically send a signal. This will depend on the network
operator. Normally, transmission is only possible in areas with good
coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the vehicle information. Therefore,
in the event of accident, it is possible to obtain detailed information about
how the accident occurred. For example, in vehicles with airbag systems,
data relating to speed of impact, seat belt status, seat positions and airbag
activation times may be stored. The volume of data depends on the manufac-
turer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted with authorisation from the vehicle
owner and, in some countries, they are governed by local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the component management is stored
in the control units. The programming of certain convenience functions, such
as the convenience indicators, individual door opening and instructions on
the display can be modified using special equipment at the workshop. If this is the case, the information and descriptions given in the instructions manual
will not match the original functions. Therefore, SEAT recommends that any
modifications are recorded in the section “Other workshop notes” in the
Maintenance Programme.
The Technical Service must have a record of any modification to the program-
ming.
Reading the vehicle fault memory
There is a diagnostics connector in the vehicle interior for reading the vehicle
fault memory. The fault memory documents errors and deviations from the
theoretical values of the electronic control units.
The diagnostics connector is in the driver's side footwell area, next to the
lever for opening the bonnet, below a cover.
The fault memory should only be read and reset by a qualified workshop.
Using a mobile telephone in a vehicle without connection to
an exterior aerial
Mobile telephones transmit and receive radio waves, both when in use and
when on stand-by. Scientific studies state that radio waves exceeding certain
values may be harmful to the human body. International committees and
authorities have established limits and directives in order to ensure electro-
magnetic radiation from mobile phones remains within certain limits that do
not endanger human health. However, there is no available conclusive scien-
tific evidence that cordless phones are completely safe.
Therefore, some experts recommend that use of mobile phone be kept to a
minimum until the results of current research are published.
When a mobile phone not connected to an exterior aerial is used inside the
vehicle, the electromagnetic radiation may be greater than if the mobile
phone were connected to a built-in aerial or to another exterior aerial.

Checking and refilling levels 304
Working in the engine compartment
Introduction
Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
parked on horizontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a hazardous area. Never work on
the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the oper-
ations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially if you
do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary Ÿ! Have the
work carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Negligent work
can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
xWindscreen wash system Ÿpage 124
xStart and stop the engine Ÿpage 195
xBrake fluid Ÿpage 210
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xChecks when filling up Ÿpage 293
xEngine oil Ÿpage 309
xEngine coolant Ÿpage 313
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
xNever work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If you must work underneath the vehicle with the wheels in contact with
the ground then it should be parked on flat ground, the wheels should be
prevented from moving and the key must be removed from the ignition.
xIf you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. The
jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to severe
injuries.
WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury.
xFor all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work carefully
and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal risks.
xNever work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not
familiar with the necessary operations. If you are not sure about proce-
dures then visit a qualified workshop to carry out the necessary work.
Incorrect work can cause serious injuries.
xNever open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment. Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
Always wait until you cannot see or hear the sound of steam or coolant
coming from the engine compartment.
xAlways allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
xContact with hot elements of the engine and the exhaust system can
cause burns.
xOnce the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
opening the bonnet:
Turn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector lever
in P or the gear stick in neutral.
Remove the key from the ignition.
Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels307
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Opening and closing the bonnet
Opening the bonnet
The lever to open the bonnet can only be used if the driver's door is open.
xBefore opening the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper arms are
in place against the windscreen Ÿ.
xOpen the driver's door.
xPull the release lever Ÿpage 307, fig. 173 in the direction of the arrow.
The bonnet is released from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism Ÿ.
xLift the bonnet using the release lever Ÿpage 307, fig. 174 (arrow) and
open the bonnet fully. The bonnet is held open thanks to the gas strut.
Closing the bonnet
xTo close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure
Ÿ.
xAllow the bonnet to fall into the lock carrier. Do not press down.
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, open it once again and close it correctly.
The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush with the corresponding parts
on the bodywork.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could suddenly open while driving
leaving the driver without visibility. This could result in serious accident.
xAfter closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured by the
locking mechanism in the lock carrier. The bonnet must be flush with the
surrounding body panels.
xWhile driving, if you notice that the bonnet is not correctly closed then
stop immediately and close it correctly.
xOnly open and close the bonnet when there is nobody within its range.
Fig. 173 In the footwell
on the driver side: Lever
for unlocking the bonnet.
Fig. 174 Release lever to
open the bonnet in the
radiator grille.

Checking and refilling levels 308
Caution
xTo avoid damage to the bonnet and to the windscreen wiper arms, only
open the bonnet when the windscreen wipers are in place against the wind-
screen.
xBefore driving, always lower the wiper arms.

Checking and refilling levels311
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xStop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the
sump. When the engine has cooled down, immediately check the oil level and
top up if necessary.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe engine oil filler opening can be recognised by the symbol E on the
cap Ÿpage 310, fig. 176 and the dipstick by its coloured handle.
Checking the engine oil level
xPull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth.
xReplace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go. If the dipstick has a
mark, when you reintroduce it this mark should slot into the corresponding
groove located on the upper end of the tube.
xRemove the dipstick again and check the engine oil level Ÿtable on
page 311.
xAfter reading the oil level, replace the dipstick in the tube completely.
Engine oil topping up ranges
Adding oil after checking the level
Only add engine oil in small quantities and in steps.
xUnscrew the cap from engine oil filler opening on the cylinder head
Ÿpage 310, fig. 176. If you are not sure where the cap is, request help from
a specialist.
xOnly refill using engine oil expressly approved by SEAT and in small quan-
tities (not more than 0.5 L or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at a time) Ÿpage 310.
xTo avoid adding too much oil, each time you add a quantity, wait until the
oil has flowed into the crankcase so that it can be measured with the dipstick.
xCheck the oil level before adding any more oil. Do not top up with too
much engine oil Ÿ.
xWhen the oil level is in at least the Ÿpage 310, fig. 175 zone, insert
the dipstick into the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping when the engine
is running.
xAfter topping up the oil, ensure that the cap is screwed on to the filler
mouth correctly.
WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact with hot engine components.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
xAlways ensure that after topping of oil, the engine oil filler cap is
correctly tightened. This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot engine parts
when the engine is running.
Caution
xIf the oil level is above the area Ÿpage 310, fig. 175 do not start the
engine. You should obtain professional assistance. Otherwise catalytic
converter and engine damage may occur.
xWhen refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids
into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious
malfunctions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area Ÿpage 310, fig. 175 . Otherwise
oil can be drawn in through the crankcase breather and escape into the
atmosphere via the exhaust system.
page 310,
fig. 175Operations required depending on the engine oil topping
up level:
Area Do not top up oil Ÿ.
Area Add approximately 0.5 L of oil (1/2 quarter of a gallon). The
oil level can be in the zone , but never above .
Area :
It is essential to add oil (approximately 1 litre or quarter of
a gallon). Ensure that the level is around the centre of the
zone after adding oil.
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ABAAAA
ACAB
AB
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Checking and refilling levels 316
Preparations
xPark the vehicle on even, flat and firm ground.
xAllow the engine to cool Ÿ.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe coolant expansion reservoir is easily recognisable because of the
symbol « on the cap Ÿpage 315, fig. 179.
Checking the engine coolant level
xWhen the engine is cold, check the coolant level using the side marking
on the expansion reservoir Ÿpage 315, fig. 178.
xIf the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant. When the engine
is hot it may be slightly above the marked area.
Topping up the engine coolant level
xAlways protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and steam
using a large, thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank cap.
xRemove the cap very carefully Ÿ.
xOnly refill using new engine coolant according to SEAT specifications
(Ÿpage 314) Ÿ.
xThe engine coolant level should be between the marks on the coolant
expansion tank Ÿpage 315, fig. 178. Do not exceed the top level of the
marked area Ÿ.
xScrew on the cap tightly.
xIf, the event of an emergency, you have no coolant that is compliant to the
required specifications (Ÿpage 314), never use another type of additive.
Instead, first top up with distilled water Ÿ only. Then re-establish the
correct proportion of the mixture with the correct additive as soon as possible
Ÿpage 314.
WARNING
Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
xNever open the coolant expansion tank if steam or coolant is coming
from the engine compartment. Wait until you cannot see or hear any steam
or coolant escaping.
xAlways wait until the engine has completely cooled before very care-
fully opening the expansion tank cap. Contact with hot elements of the
engine can cause skin burns.
xOnce the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
opening the bonnet:
Turn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector lever
in P or the gear stick in neutral.
Remove the key from the ignition.
Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
xWhen the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. Other-
wise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and serious
injury.
Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently pressing
down on it.
Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
steam using a large, thick cloth.
xWhen refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhaust system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. Under specific
circumstances, the ethylene glycol can catch fire.
Caution
xTop up with distilled water only. Any other type of water may lead to
considerable rusting in the engine due to its chemical components. This
could consequently damage the engine. If you have not used distilled water
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 320
Start-Stop systems Ÿpage 223 are equipped with a special battery labelled
“AGM”. For technical reasons, it is not possible to check the electrolyte level
of these batteries
Preparations
xPrepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
Opening the battery cover
The battery covers are different depending on the engine size of the vehicle:
xIn the case of a cover: press the tab Ÿpage 319, fig. 180 in the direc-
tion of the arrow and pull the cover upwards.
xIn the case of a hose: fold the cover to one side to remove Ÿpage 319,
fig. 181.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
xMake sure there is sufficient lighting to clearly recognise the colours.
Never use open flames or sparklers as a light source.
xDepending on the level of acid, the Magic eye on the top of the battery will
change colour.
WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a risk of corrosion, explosions
and electric shock.
xAlways wear protective gloves and eye protection.
xBattery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
xNever tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid could spill out of the open-
ings to release gases and cause corrosion damage.
xNever open the vehicle battery.
xIf battery acid splashes on you, immediately rinse your eyes and skin
abundantly with water for several minutes. Then seek medical care imme-
diately.
xIf acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.
Charging, replacing and connecting or disconnecting the
battery
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialist workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment Ÿ. SEAT recommends visiting a qual-
ified workshop.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has
special safety features. If the battery must be replaced, consult a qualified
SEAT workshop for information on electromagnetic compatibility, the size
and maintenance, performance and safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT recommends you have the
battery replaced by a qualified SEAT workshop.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries conforming to TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 Standards. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.
Colour indicatorNecessary operations
light yellow or col-
ourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is too low.
Have the battery checked and, where applicable,
replaced by a specialist workshop.
Black indicationThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is correct.
AA
WARNING (continued)