2010 Seat Alhambra brake fluid

Checking and refilling levels 296
Closing the tank cap
xScrew on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
xPress the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must be
flush with the body contour.
WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel tank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
Caution
xAlways remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment.
Refilling precautions
Information on bulb replacement Ÿpage 360.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar
with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and
especially if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary
Ÿpage 304, “Working in the engine compartment”! Have the work carried
out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Check the following regu-
larly, preferably when you refuel:
xWindscreen washer fluid level Ÿpage 124
xEngine oil level Ÿpage 309
xEngine coolant level Ÿpage 313
xBrake fluid level Ÿpage 210
xTyre pressure Ÿpage 323
xVehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
–Indicators
– Side lights, dipped headlights and full beam headlights
– Rear lights
–Brake lights
– Rear fog light Ÿpage 116
WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to acci-
dents and severe injuries.
xAlways follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.

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 levels305
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
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.
WARNING
The high voltages of the electrical system can give electric shocks as well
as causing burns and serious injury and possibly even death!
xNever cause short circuits in the electrical system. The battery could
explode.
xTo minimise the risk of electric shock and serious consequences while
the engine is running or starting the engine, note the following:
Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
Never touch electric cables or the gas discharge lamps.
WARNING
In the engine compartment, there are rotating parts that could cause
serious injury.
xNever place your hands on or near the radiator fan. Touching the rotor
blades could seriously harm you. The ventilator works according to the
engine temperature and could start suddenly even when the ignition is
turned off and the key is removed.
xIf any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan etc as well as
from the high-voltage ignition system. Always work with the utmost
caution.
Always make sure that no parts of your body, jewellery, ties, loose
clothing and long hair can be trapped by the rotating parts of the
engine. Before any work, remove ties and jewellery ( necklaces, etc), tie
longhair back and tie all items of loose clothing to your body to make
sure that they cannot be trapped by engine components.
Take extreme caution when operating the accelerator and remain
attentive. The vehicle could move, even with the electronic parking
brake activated.
xAlways make sure you have not left any objects, such as cloths or tools,
in the engine compartment. If any object is left in the engine compartment,
this could cause malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire.
WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch fire easily in the engine
compartment, causing a fire and serious injury!
xNever smoke.
xNever work close to places exposed to flames or sparks.
xNever pour service fluids over the engine. These fluid may ignite hot
engine parts and cause injuries.
xIf it is necessary to work on the fuel system or the electrical system,
please follow the instructions below:
Always disconnect the vehicle battery. When disconnecting the
battery, ensure that the vehicle is unlocked otherwise the antitheft
alarm will be triggered.
WARNING (continued)WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 306
Never work close to heaters, heat sources or places exposed to
flames or sparks.
xAlways keep a recently serviced and perfectly working fire extinguisher
close by.
Caution
When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids into
the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious malfunc-
tions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. Take the
vehicle to a specialist workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil or other
fluids on the ground. Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a professional
to dispose of them.
Preparing the vehicle for work in the engine compartment
Checklist
Carry out the operations below in the order indicated before starting work in
the engine compartment Ÿ:
xPark the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
xPress and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
xConnect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.
xMove the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P Ÿpage 201.
xStop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Ÿpage 195.
xWait for the engine to cool down.
xAlways keep children and other people far from the engine compartment.
xEnsure that the vehicle can not move off unexpectedly.
WARNING
Ignoring this checklist, drawn up for your own safety, could result in
serious injury.
xAlways complete the operations given in the checklist and observe the
general rules of safety.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres325
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
About your tyres and wheels
The tyres of a vehicle are the components which are subjected to most stress
and are the most underestimated. Tyres are very important, as the support
offered by their narrow surface is the only point of contact between the
vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, the care
they receive and the correct fitting.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics
of the vehicle and our critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
xIf you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very slowly and
as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
xInspect the tyres regularly for damage (punctures, cuts, cracks, dents).
xRemove any foreign bodies found on the outside of the tread provided
they have not passed through the wall of the tyre Ÿpage 330.
xThe instructions for tyre control systems should always be observed.
xReplace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible Ÿpage 330.
xRegularly check tyres for non-visible damage Ÿpage 330.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle Ÿpage 333.
xDo not allow tyres to come into contact with aggressive substances,
grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid Ÿ.
xLost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been designed to operate best when
rotating in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the
direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread Ÿpage 333. Always
observe the direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This
guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise
and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direction of rotation, drive with extreme
caution, as the tyre is no longer being used correctly. This is of particular
importance when the road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon as possible
or remount it with the correct direction of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be changed
round from time to time according to the system Ÿfig. 182. All the tyres will
then last for about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the
tyres changed.
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a result of physical and chemical
processes. This may affect their performance. Tyres which are stored for long
periods of time without being used, harden and become more fragile than
tyres which are in constant use.
Fig. 182 Diagram for
changing wheels

Wheels and tyres 326
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years old are replaced with new tyres.
This also applies to tyres which appear to be in perfect condition on the
outside and which have a tread depth within the values stipulated by the Law
Ÿ.
The date of manufacture, part of the tyre identification number (TIN), indi-
cates the age of the tyre Ÿpage 333.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation (left,
right, forwards, backwards). This ensures you will be able to mount them
correctly when you replace them. When removed, the wheels and/or tyres
should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location. Do not place
tyres mounted on the wheel in a vertical position.
Protect tyres not mounted on wheels from dirt by storing them in suitable
bags and standing them on the ground on their tread.
WARNING
Aggressive fluids or substances could result in visible or invisible damage
with the consequent risks.
xAlways ensure that tyres do not come into contact with chemical prod-
ucts, oil, grease, fuel, brake fluid or other aggressive substances.
WARNING
Old tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst unex-
pectedly while driving, resulting in serious accident or damage.
xIf tyres are over six years old, they should only be used in an emergency
and with extreme caution.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified personnel according to the laws in
the country concerned.
Wheel rims
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted,
the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt heads
must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the brake
system functions correctly Ÿpage 339.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other
vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of wheel.
The tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the character-
istics of the vehicle and are critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque Ÿpage 339.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various components. These are joined together by
special bolts using a special procedure. This ensures good performance, a
better seal, improved safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn rims should
always be replaced and must only be repaired in a qualified workshop. SEAT
recommends visiting a qualified workshop Ÿ.
Wheel rims with bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangeable trim parts which are attached
to the rim using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should only be replaced at a
qualified workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop Ÿ.

Technical Data383
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Technical Data
Checking fluid levels
From time to time, the levels of the different fluids in the
vehicle must be checked. Never fill with incorrect fluids,
otherwise serious damage to the engine may be caused.
Fig. 231 Diagram for the location of the various elements
Liquid coolant deposit
Engine oil dipstick
Oil filler neck
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath a cover)
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are described in Ÿpage 304.
Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the technical data are
contained as of Ÿpage 379A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6

Index395
Emergency braking function . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215, 216
Brake system
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Brake systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Brakes
Assisted braking systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Brake fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Changing the brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Emergency brake indicator in case of sudden
braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Running-in brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Braking assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Braking assist system (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Braking assist system (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Breakdown
Securing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Bulb fault
See changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
C
Card compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178Care
See "Care of your vehicle" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Vehicle interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Care of your vehicle
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Caring for paintwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
CD changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162, 169
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83, 85
Antitheft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
KESSY system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Locking and unlocking the vehicle . . . . . . . . 84
Central locking system
After airbag deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Opening doors individually . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Centre armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Changing
Windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Raising the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Bodywork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361Front bumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Halogen headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Initial operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Sea changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366, 367
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Xenon headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Engaging gears (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . 204
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Manually unlocking the gear selection lever . . .
352
Selecting gears (automatic gearbox) . . . . . 205
Warning and control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Changing gears
Gear recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Changing the battery
of the vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Changing the wheel
After changing the wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Check list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Preparations for changing a wheel . . . . . . 339
Raising the vehicle with the jack . . . . . . . . 343
Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Checking
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Checking the oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310