2010 Seat Alhambra oil

Lights and visibility 114
Warning lamps
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.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xNever ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
xPark the vehicle at a suitable distance away from the traffic ensuring
that the exhaust system is not in contact with inflammable material, for
example, dry grass, fuel, oil, etc.
xA faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for other
road users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put out
the warning triangle to advise other drivers.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
lights upPossible causeSolution

Driving light totally or partially
faulty.
Replace the corresponding
bulb Ÿpage 360.
If all the bulbs are OK, the vehi-
cle should be taken to a spe-
cialised workshop if necessary.
Fault in adaptive light.Ÿpage 118.

Rear fog light switched on.
Ÿpage 116.
Fog lights switched on

Left or right turn signal.
The warning lamp flashes twice
as fast when a vehicle or trailer
turn signal is faulty.If necessary, check the vehicle
and trailer lighting.
Headlight on or flasher on.Ÿpage 115.
+Headlight adjustment (Light
Assist) on.Ÿpage 117.
flashesPossible causeSolution
Fault in the adaptive light sys-
tem.Contact a specialist workshop
Ÿpage 117.

Seats and storage compartments 174
xPush the button on the cigarette lighter inwards with the ignition on
Ÿpage 173, fig. 125.
xWait for the cigarette lighter to pop out slightly.
xPull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glowing coil
Ÿ.
xReplace the cigarette lighter in its insert.
WARNING
Undue use of the cigarette lighter may cause a fire or burns and other
serious injuries.
xThe cigarette lighter must only be used to light cigarettes or similar.
xNever leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The cigarette lighter
can be used when the ignition is switched on.
Note
The cigarette lighter can also be used with the 12 Volt socket Ÿpage 175.

Driving 192
Driving
Steering
Introduction
The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage of
this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil, the
pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system saves
fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained, electro-
mechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
xStart and stop the engine Ÿpage 195
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xTow-starting and towing away Ÿpage 375
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much more
difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
xThe power steering only works when the engine is running.
xNever allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
xNever remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
D (red)Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.
D (yel-
low)
Power steering operation
reduced.
The steering system should be
checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine and
driving for a short distance, the
yellow warning light no longer
comes on, it will not be neces-
sary to take the vehicle to a spe-
cialised workshop.
The vehicle battery was dis-
connected and has been
reconnected.Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h.

Driving215
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
Faults in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that the
braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there is a
fault in the braking system. The
H warning lamp lights up and a text
message displayed. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop immediately
and have the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to
use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping
distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate Ÿ.
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
xFor the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to be
pressed with more force.
xTo avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
always take great care when driving with new brake pads.
xWhen running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between you and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring
extreme braking performance.
WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances
increase.
xWhen driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly.
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.
xNon-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
braking distances.
xTest the brakes carefully.
xDry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
xNever allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
xIf the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then
the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the
braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate.

Driving219
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Brake fluid
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs water from the ambient air. If
there is too much water contained in the brake fluid, the brake system could
be damaged. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too much water and the brakes are
subject to considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour can form in the
system. These bubbles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking
power, notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total
failure of the brake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always func-
tioning correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users Ÿ.
Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems of
their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
Ÿ.
Brake fluids conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American
requirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German DIN ISO
4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the American
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard do
not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always check the infor-
mation on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are using suitable
brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Authorised Service Centres.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark Ÿ.
It is not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to wear
of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions given
in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a qualified
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop. This means that
only brake fluid complying with the required specifications will be used.
WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the brake
system may fail or braking power will be reduced.
xCheck the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
xThe brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instructions given in the Maintenance Programme.
Fig. 145 In the engine
compartment: brake fluid
reservoir, lid

Driving and the environment251
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Practical tips
Driving and the environment
Running-in
Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Running-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). During its
first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater than
later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed – especially when the engine is cold – this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Always engage a lower gear when the engine works “irregu-
larly”. For the first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:
xDo not use full throttle.
xDo not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
xDo not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 kilometres (600 to 1000 miles), gradually increase
power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
xReplacement of new tyres and wheel rims Ÿpage 323
xNotes on the brakes Ÿpage 214
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oil consumption reduced.

Driving and the environment 254
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other condi-
tions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in practice
it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine oil,
help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the resist-
ance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving style.
For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel consumption
up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Optional
equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce the
aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds.

Driving and the environment255
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xChanging gear Ÿpage 201
xRefuelling Ÿpage 293
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xEngine oil Ÿpage 309
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xInformation stored in the control units Ÿpage 285
xTow-starting and towing away Ÿpage 375
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
xDo not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.
Warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
%0#Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
DPre-heating a diesel engine
before starting the engine.Ÿpage 195
BFault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.
¬Diesel particulate filter
blocked
Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual gearbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits Ÿ.
If the warning lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop Ÿpage 256.
flashesPossible causeSolution
DFault in the engine manage-
ment (diesel engines).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
B
Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic con-
verter.You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.