2010 Seat Alhambra sensor

Lights and visibility 118
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS)
The adaptive headlights only operate when the dipped beam is on and at
speeds of over 10 km/h. When taking a bend, the adaptive headlights auto-
matically light up the road better.
The adaptive headlights can be switched on and off from the infotainment
system.
Static turning lights
When turning slowly to change direction or going round a tight bend, the
static cornering lights automatically come on. The static cornering lights only
work at speeds of less than 40 km/h.
The static cornering lights may be incorporated into the fog lights or the front
headlights, depending upon the equipment.
Main beam headlight control
The main beam control (Light Assist) automatically switches the main beam
on and off within the limits of the system, regardless of prevailing conditions,
traffic and vehicle speed Ÿ. The system is controlled by a sensor on the
inside of the windscreen above the rear view mirror. The main beam and
flashed headlight can be switched on and off manually at the turn signal and
main beam lever.
xTo light, with the ignition on, rotate the headlight control to the posi-
tion!54/ and move the turn signal lever to the full beam headlight position.
When the ignition is switched off, the main beam control is also switched off.
The following conditions may prevent the full beam headlight control from
turning off the headlights in time or from turning off altogether:
xIn poorly lit towns with highly reflective signs.
xIn fog, snow and heavy rain.
xIf the area around the sensor on the windscreen is misted, dirty or covered
with a sticker.
xIf a stone has struck the area of the sensor.
xOther insufficiently lit road users (for example, pedestrians or cyclists).
xOn tight bends and steep slopes and when oncoming vehicles are
partially obscured.
xWhen the drivers of other oncoming vehicles (such as a truck) can see
over a guard rail in the centre of the road.
WARNING
If the road is not well-lit and the vehicle is not clearly visible to other
drivers, there is a risk of accident.
xThe automatic main beam control (!54/) only switches on the dipped
beam when there are no changes in brightness, and not, for example when
it is foggy.
xNever use the daytime driving light if the road is not well-lit as a result
of the weather conditions and poor visibility. The daytime driving lights are
not bright enough to illuminate the road ahead and to ensure that other
road users are able to see you.
xThe rear lights do not come on with the daytime driving light. A vehicle
which does not have the rear lights on may not be visible to other drivers
in the darkness, if it is raining or in conditions of poor visibility.
WARNING
The convenience features of the main beam control should not encourage
the taking of risks. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
xAlways check the main beam and adjust it to the traffic, visibility and
light conditions.
xIt is possible that the main beam headlight control does not recognise
all driving situations and is limited under certain circumstances.
xOperation of the main beam headlight control can be affected by
changes made to the vehicle lighting system (for example, if additional
headlights are added).

Lights and visibility119
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
The headlights, rear lights and turn signals may mist up temporarily on the
inside in cool or damp weather. This is normal and in no way effects the useful
life of the vehicle lighting system.
Adhesive strips for headlights or adjusting headlights
In those countries where vehicles drive on the other side of the road to the
home country, the asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle drivers of oncoming
vehicles. Therefore, when driving abroad, adhesive strips should be attached
to the headlights or the headlights should be adjusted accordingly.
The direction of the headlights can be adjusted from the instrument panel, in
the menu Settings submenu Travel mode Ÿpage 70.
For those vehicles in which it is not possible to adjust the headlights from the
menu, adhesive strips are used to cover certain parts of the headlamp cover
or the headlights may be adjusted at a specialised workshop. For further
information, please refer to a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends
visiting a qualified workshop.
Note
The use of Travel mode and adhesive strips on the headlights is only author-
ised for a short period of time. To modify the direction of the headlamps more
permanently, please take the vehicle to a specialised workshop. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a qualified workshop.
Function “Coming home” and “Leaving home” (guidance
lights)
The “Coming home” function should be switched on manually. However the
“Leaving home” function is automatically controlled by a photo sensor.
Lighting around the exterior mirrors
The lighting around the exterior mirrors illuminates the door area on entering
and leaving the vehicles. It comes on when the vehicle is unlocked, when the
vehicle door is opened and when the “Coming home” or “Leaving home”
“Coming Home”Necessary operations
To switch sys-
tem on:
– Switch off the ignition.
– Briefly flash the headlights for approximately one sec-
ond Ÿpage 115.
The “Coming home” lighting comes on when the driver's
door is opened. The delay in switching off the headlights
is counted from when the last door or tailgate is closed.
The system
switches off:
– Automatically at the end of the delay period.
– Automatically, if 30 seconds after coming on, a vehicle
door or tailgate remains open.
– If the light switch is turned to position
/.
– If the ignition is switched on.
“Leaving home”Necessary operations
To switch sys-
tem on:– Unlock the vehicle when the light switch is in position
!54/ and the photo sensor detects darkness.
The system
switches off:
– Automatically, at the end of the delay period.
– When the vehicle is locked.
– When the light switch is turned to position
/.
– When the ignition is switched on.

Lights and visibility 120
function is switched on. If the equipment includes the light sensor, the
lighting around the exterior mirrors only comes when it is dark.
Note
The time taken for the headlights to go off can be changed in the menu Lights
& Visibility and the function can be switched on or off Ÿpage 70.
Note
When the “Coming home” function is on, if the vehicle door is opened there
is no audible warning signal to advise that the light is still on.
Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
Instrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments and
switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning the
switch Ÿfig. 68 .
Headlight range control
The headlight range control Ÿfig. 68 is modified according to the value
of the headlight beam and the vehicle load status. This offers the driver
optimum visibility and the headlights do not dazzle oncoming drivers Ÿ.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch Ÿfig. 68 :
Dynamic headlight range control
The control is not mounted in vehicles with dynamic headlight range
control. The headlight range is automatically adjusted according to the
vehicle load status when the headlights are switched on.
WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that the headlights dazzle and
distract other drivers. This could result in serious accident.
Fig. 68 Next to the
steering wheel: instru-
ment and switch lighting
control and headlight
range control .
A1A2
ValueVehicle load statusa)
a)If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the table, it is possible to
select intermediary positions.
–Two front occupants, luggage compartment empty
1All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty
2All seats occupied, luggage compartment full. With trailer
and minimum support load
3Driver only, luggage compartment full. With trailer and
maximum support load
A1
A1
A2
A2
A2
A2

Lights and visibility125
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Windscreen wiper lever
Caution
If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are on, the wind-
screen wipers carry on wiping at the same level when the ignition is switched
back on. Ice, snow and other obstacles may damage the windscreen wiper
and the wiper motor.
Note
The windscreen wipers will only function when the ignition is switched on and
the bonnet or tailgate are closed.
Fig. 72 Using the wind-
screen wipers.
Fig. 73 Using the rear
window wipers.
Move the lever to the required position Ÿ:
OFFWindscreen wiper off.
u
Intermittent windscreen wipers wipe.
Using the control Ÿfig. 72 adjust the interval (vehicles
without the rain sensor), or the sensitivity of the rain sensor.
LOWSlow wipe.
HIGHContinuous wipe.
xBrief wipe - short wipe. Hold the lever down for more time to
increase the wipe frequency.
WAutomatic wipe for cleaning windscreens with the lever up.
ZIntermittent wipe for rear window. The rear wiper will wipe the
window approximately every 6 seconds.
\Automatic wipe for cleaning rear windows with the lever
pressed.
A0
A1AA
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7

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 .
AA
Fig. 76 Rain sensor
sensitive surface.
A0
A1
AA
A1

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 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
A1
A2
A3
A2A1
A3

Driving193
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a 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.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Information on the steering
Steering column electronic lock
Vehicles with KESSY: The steering column locks when the driver's door is
opened and the ignition is switched off. Therefore, the vehicle should be at a
standstill and, where applicable, the selector lever in position P.
If the driver's door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built into
the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the
vehicle.
Electromechanical power steering
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.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than
normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situations.
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering.
flashesPossible causeSolution
D (red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock.› Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.
D (yel-
low)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro.
Steering wheel not unlocked
or locked.
Remove the key from the ignition
and then switch the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle Ÿpage 210.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Remove the key from the ignition.Insert the key in the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.