2010 Seat Alhambra heater

Driving201
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing gear
Introduction
When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
takes place:
xReverse lights light up.
xWhen reversing, the air conditioner automatically changes to air recircu-
lation mode.
xThe rear window heater switches on when the windscreen wiper is acti-
vated.
xAlso, the parking sensor system, the optical parking sensor and the
camera for the reverse assist system are connected.
Additional information and warnings:
xInstruments Ÿpage 64
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xParking sensor system Ÿpage 225
xPark Assist system Ÿpage 229
xReverse assist system (Rear Assist) Ÿpage 234
xAir conditioning Ÿpage 179
xElectronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
Ÿpage 255
xEmergency locking and unlocking Ÿpage 348
WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slippery ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting in
an accident and considerable damage.
xOnly use the kickdown or rapid acceleration if visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions so permit.
WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a prolonged period of time, or brake
frequently or for long periods of time. Continuous braking heats up the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
Caution
xNever make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. This will increase wear.
xReduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears before
long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat
and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 294
Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spare fuel canisters.
Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, for example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
Caution
xAlways remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
xRefuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a diesel engine with petrol can
cause serious engine and fuel system damage; the resulting malfunctions
are not covered by the SEAT warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of fuel,
never start the engine. This applies to even the smallest amount of the wrong
fuel. You should obtain professional assistance. With the engine running, the
composition of the wrong fuel could significantly damage the fuel system and
the engine itself.
xIn vehicles with a diesel engine, under no circumstances should you
refuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other type of different
fuel. Other types of fuels could cause serious damage to the engine and to
the fuel supply system and the resulting problems are not covered by the
SEAT warranty.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.
Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the manual release of the tank flap. If
necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel.
Control lamps and fuel gauge
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds.
The auxiliary heater and the auxiliary heater running off petrol will automati-
cally switch off when the indicator
z or  lights.
WARNING (continued)
lights upGauge position
Ÿfig. 169Possible cause ŸSolution
Red mark
(arrow)
The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is
being used
Ÿpage 392.
Refuel as soon as
possible Ÿ.
§Fuel tank not closed
correctly.Stop the vehicle and
close the tank flap
properly.
Fig. 169 On the instru-
ment panel: Fuel gauge for
petrol and diesel.

Checking and refilling levels 298
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems arise,
the necessary additives must be added when refuelling.
Not all petrol additives have been shown to be effective. The use of unsuit-
able petrol additives could damage the engine. These additives are available
from qualified workshops, who will inform you of their application.
Caution
xOnly use fuel with an octane rating that is in line with the norm EN 228,
otherwise significant damage could be caused to the engine and fuel system.
Furthermore, it could lead to a loss of performance with the consequent
engine fault.
xThe use of unsuitable petrol additives could damage the engine.
xIf, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
recommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throttle.
Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
xDo not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
xJust one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of
the catalytic converter and could damage it.
Diesel
Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel must correspond to European standard EN 590 (In Germany, EN
590 or DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur percentage requires shorter service
intervals ŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme” Ÿ. Your qualified work-shop will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0 °C (+32 °F) because the fuel thickens due to wax sepa-
ration. For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in Germany, for
example, during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as
-20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with different climatic conditions, other types of diesel fuel are
available that are suitable to local temperatures. SEAT qualified workshops
and filling stations in the country concerned will inform you on the type of
diesel fuels available.
A cold diesel engine makes more noise during winter temperatures than
summer temperatures. Furthermore, the exhaust fumes may turn slightly
bluish while the engine is heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will depend
on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater. This
ensures that the fuel system remains operational to approx. -24 °C (-11.2 °F),
provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15 °C (+5.00 °F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24 °C (-11.2 °F), simply place the vehicle in a warm
garage or workshop for a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted with an auxiliary heater. The
heater runs off the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so, smells and steam may
be noticed outside the vehicle for a short period. This is normal and it is not
an indication of a fault in the vehicle.

Checking and refilling levels299
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (reserve), the auxiliary heater auto-
matically switches off.
WARNING
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start booster could explode or cause
a sudden rise in engine speed leading to engine damage and serious injury.
Caution
xThe vehicle is not prepared for the use of biodiesel. Under no circum-
stances should this fuel be used. It could damage the fuel system and subse-
quently lead to engine faults!
xThe addition of biodiesel to diesel by the diesel producer according to
Standard EN 590 or other equivalent (DIN 51628 in Germany, for example) is
authorised and causes no type of damage to the engine or the fuel system.
xThe diesel engine has been designed for to use diesel fuel exclusively.
Therefore, never use petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels. The composition
of these fuels may significantly damage the fuel system and the engine.
xThe use of diesel fuels with a high sulphur percentage could considerably
reduce the service life of the diesel particulate filter. Your qualified workshop
will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Information on fuel consumption
The consumption and emission values indicated do not refer to one specific
vehicle. They are only to be used to compare the values of the different
vehicle versions. The fuel consumption and CO
2 emissions of a vehicle not
only depend on the effective use of fuel. They also depend on your driving
style and other non-technical factors.Calculating fuel consumption
Fuel consumption and emission values are determined according to the
current version of the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulation and are valid
for the vehicle kerb weight. The specifications do not refer to an individual
vehicle. Two measuring cycles are carried out on a rolling road test bed. The
test criteria are as follows:
Note
The kerb weight may vary according to the vehicle equipment. This could
raise consumption and the CO
2 emissions slightly.
Note
In practice, consumption values could be different to the values calculated
based on the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulations.
Urban cycleMeasurement of the urban cycle starts with an engine cold
start. City driving is then simulated at between 0 and 50
km/h.
Road cycleIn the road cycle simulation, the car undergoes frequent
acceleration and braking in all gears, as in normal everyday
driving. The road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h.
CombinedThe average combined consumption is calculated with a
weighting of around 37 % for the urban cycle and 63 % for
the road cycle.
CO2 emis-
sions of the
combination The exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles to
calculate carbon dioxide emissions (urban and road). The
gas composition is then analysed to evaluate the CO
2 con-
tent and other emissions.

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)

Checking and refilling levels321
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Start-Stop systems Ÿpage 223 are equipped with a special battery. There-
fore, it must only be replaced with a battery of the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the electrical system, please note the
following:
xSwitch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
xThe vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, otherwise
the alarm will be triggered.
xFirst disconnect the negative cable and then the positive Ÿ.
Connecting the vehicle's battery
xBefore reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric devices.
xFirst reconnect the positive cable and then the negative Ÿ.
Different control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and
switching the ignition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed
of between 15 - 20 km/h (10 - 12 mph). If the warning indicators remain lit,
please visit a specialised workshop to have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, it is possible that the
next service date is not displayed or calculated correctly Ÿpage 64. Respect
the maximum service intervals permitted ŸBooklet “Maintenance
Programme”.
Vehicles with the KESSY system (Ÿpage 86): If, after connecting the battery,
the ignition cannot be switched on, lock and unlock the vehicle from outside.
Then try to switch the ignition back on. If the ignition can still not be switched
on, request the assistance of a specialist workshop.
Automatic consumer disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range of
measures to prevent the battery from discharging when high demands are
made on it:
xthe idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more elec-
tricity.
xwhere necessary, the power of the most powerful consumers is reduced
or even completely disconnected.
xOn starting the engine, the power supply from the 12-volt sockets and the
cigarette lighter may be interrupted for a short time.
The on-board management program cannot always prevent the battery from
running flat. For example, if the ignition is left on for a long period with the
engine off or if the side lights or parking lights are left on while the vehicle is
stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
xWhen stationary for a long time without starting the engine, particularly if
the ignition is switched on.
xUse of electrical consumers with the engine switched off.
xIf the auxiliary heater is running Ÿpage 187.
WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the wrong battery can cause
short-circuits, fire and serious injuries.
xAlways use only maintenance free batteries that do not run flat alone
and whose properties, specifications and size correspond to the standard
battery. The specifications are indicated on the battery case.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is under
charge.
xThe batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room only.
xNever charge a frozen or recently thawed battery. A flat battery can
freeze at temperatures around 0°C (+32 °F).

If and when373
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a The vehicles should not touch. Otherwise, current may be allowed to flow
when the positive poles are connected.
Connect the clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with the termi-
nals.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after about 10
seconds and try again after about a minute.
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
Jump lead terminal connections
xSwitch off the ignition of both vehicles Ÿpage 195.
xLikewise, open the battery cover in the engine compartment Ÿpage 318,
or remove the positive pole cap from one side 3), in the direction of the arrow
Ÿpage 372, fig. 225.
xConnect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal
Ÿpage 372, fig. 226 or Ÿpage 372, fig. 225 of the vehicle with the
flat battery Ÿ.
xConnect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal in
the vehicle providing assistance .
xFor vehicles without Start-Stop system: Connect one end of the black
jump lead to the negative terminal in the vehicle providing assistance
Ÿpage 372, fig. 226.
xFor vehicles with Start-Stop system: Connect one end of the black
jump lead to a suitable ground connection, a solid piece of metal in the
engine block, or to the engine block Ÿpage 372, fig. 227.
xConnect the other end of the black jump lead to a solid metal compo-
nent connected to the engine block, or onto the engine block itself of the
vehicle with the flat battery however, connect it as far away as possible from
the battery Ÿ.
xPlace the leads so that they cannot be caught by any moving parts in the
engine compartment.Switching on
xStart the engine of the vehicle supplying current and let it run at idling
speed.
xStart the engine of the car with the flat battery and wait two or three
minutes until the engine is “running smoothly”.
Removing the jump leads
xBefore you remove the jump leads, switch off the headlights (if they are
switched on).
xTurn on the heating and rear window heater in the vehicle with the flat
battery. This helps minimise voltage peaks which are generated when the
leads are disconnected.
xWith the engines running, disconnect the leads in reverse order to
connection.
xClose the battery cover, or replace the positive pole cap 3).
WARNING
Incorrectly jump starting could cause the battery to explode resulting in
serious injury. Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of a
battery explosion:
xAll work involving the vehicle battery and electrical system can cause
corrosion, fire and serious electric shocks. Always read and take into
account the safety warnings and standards before beginning work on the
battery Ÿpage 318, “Vehicle battery”.
xAlways protect your eyes with suitable working goggles and never lean
over the vehicle battery.
xThe jump leads must be connected in the correct order: first the positive
cable, then the negative cable.
xDo not attach the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the
brake hose/pipe.
3)Vehicles whose battery is not located in the engine compartment Ÿpage 372.
A+A+AA
A+AB
A-AB
AX
AX
AA

Index393
Index
"Safe" security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
A
Abroad
Extended stay abroad with your vehicle . . 283
Sale of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
ABS
See "Braking assist systems" . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Adaptive headlights
Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
AdBlue
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Minimum quantity for a refill . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Refilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tank filling capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Additional equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Additional heater
See "Auxiliary heater" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Adjusting passenger exterior mirror . . . . . . . . . 132
Adjustment
Correct sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Electric front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Mechanical front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Seat with position memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Adjustments
Folding the backrest of the front passenger's
seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Headlight range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Aerial built into the window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
AFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Air conditioning
see "Climate control" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Air recirculation mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Air vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 33
Cleaning instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Deactivating the front passenger airbag . . . 36
Deactivating using the key switch . . . . . . . . 36
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Differences between front passenger airbag
systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Knee airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Locking the vehicle after airbag deployment . .
84
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Use of child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Vehicle care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
All-wheel drive
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Ambient lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Anodized surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Antitheft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Antitheft alarm system
Anti-tow system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
False alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Interior monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Antitheft bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Anti-theft locking bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Anti-theft wheel locking bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Anti-tow system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90