2010 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

Driving 200
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
xThe airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switched off.
xThe brake servo does not work when the engine is not running. To stop,
the brake pedal must be pressed with more force.
xAs the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than normally.
xIf the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it will
not be possible to steer the vehicle.
Caution
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time, it
may overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine to
run for approximately two minutes in neutral before switching it off.
Note
In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key can only be removed when the
selector lever is in position P.
Note
After stopping the engine, the engine compartment fan may continue running
for a few minutes, even when the ignition has been switched off or the key
removed. The radiator fan is automatically switched off.
Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being started with an unauthorised
key and the vehicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It automatically deactivates the immobi-
lizer when the key is inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as
you remove the key from the ignition lock. In vehicles with the KESSY system,
the key should remain outside the vehicle Ÿpage 86.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used with a genuine SEAT key with the
correct code. Coded keys can be obtained from your Authorised Service
Centre Ÿpage 78.
If an unauthorised key is used, the message SAFE or Immobiliser active is
displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle cannot be started in this case
Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only guaranteed when original SEAT
keys are used.
5.
Turn the key in the ignition lock
to position Ÿpage 196, fig. 134
.Briefly press the starter button
Ÿpage 197, fig. 135. If it is not
possible to switch off the engine,
use the emergency disconnec-
tion Ÿpage 197.
6.With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
7.
Remove the starter button from
the lock to disconnect all electri-
cal components and activate the
electronic lock on the steering
column.
StepVehicles without KESSYVehicles with KESSY
A0

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)

Driving 202
Warning and control 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.
xIf the vehicle stops and must be stopped for repairs, always park a safe
distance from surrounding traffic, turn on the hazard warning lights, stop
the engine and take all of the safety measures necessary to warn other road
users.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.lights upPossible causeSolution
K (red)Brake pedal not pressed!Press brake pedal to the floor.
K
(green)Brake pedal not pressed.
To select a range of gears, press
the brake pedal.
Please also see "Electronic park-
ing brake" Ÿpage 210.
flashesPossible causeSolution
K
(green)The selector lever locking but-
ton has not engaged. The
vehicle does not start to
move.Engage the selector lever lock
Ÿpage 206.

Driving203
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Pedals
Do not allow floor mats or other objects to obstruct the free passage of the
pedals.Floor mats should leave the pedal area free and unobstructed and be
correctly secured in the footwell zone.
In the event of failure of a brake circuit, the brake pedal must be pressed
harder than normal to brake the vehicle.
WARNING
Objects falling into the driver's footwell could prevent use of the pedals.
This could lead the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk
of a serious accident.
xMake sure the pedals can be used at all times, with no objects rolling
underneath them.
xAlways secure the mat in the foot well.
xNever place other mats or rugs on top of the original mat supplied by
the factory.
xEnsure that no objects can fall into the driver's footwell while the
vehicle is in motion.
Caution
The pedals must always have free and unobstructed passage to the floor. For
example, in case of a fault in the brake circuit, the brake pedal will need to be
pressed further to stop the vehicle. To press the brake pedal down further will
require more force than usual.
Fig. 136 Pedals in vehi-
cles with a manual
gearbox: accelerator;
brake; clutch.
A1A2A3
Fig. 137 Pedals in vehi-
cles with an automatic
gearbox: accelerator;
brake.
A1A2

Driving 204
Manual gearbox: Engaging gears
The position of each of the gears is shown on the gear stick Ÿfig. 138.
xKeep the clutch pedal pushed all the way down.
xMove the gear stick to the required position.
In some countries, it is necessary to press the clutch pedal to the floor to start
the engine.
Selecting reverse gear
xWith the vehicle at a standstill, press the clutch pedal to the floor and
keep pressed.
xPush the gear lever down.
xMove the gear stick to the left and then forwards to reverse gear
Ÿfig. 138 .
WARNING
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a gear
is engaged and the clutch released. This is also the case with the electronic
parking brake on.
xNever engage the reverse gear when a vehicle is moving forward.
Caution
To prevent damage and avoid premature wear, please observe the following:
xWhile driving, do not leave your hand resting on the gear stick. The pres-
sure applied by your hand is transmitted to the gearbox selector forks.
xAlways ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped before engaging the
reverse gear.
xWhen changing gear, always make sure the clutch pedal is pushed right
to the floor.
xNever hold the vehicle on the clutch on hills.
Fig. 138 Gear shift
pattern of a 6-speed
manual gearbox.
AR

Driving205
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Automatic gearbox*: Selecting gears
The gear selection lever has a lock. When changing the gear selector lever
from the position P to a range of gears, press on the brake pedal and press
the lock on the selector lever in the direction of the arrow Ÿfig. 139 or Ÿfig. 140. To move the gear selector lever from the position N to D or to R,
first press and hold the brake pedal.
When the ignition is on, the current position of the selector lever is shown on
the instrument panel.
Fig. 139 Left-hand drive
vehicles: Automatic
gearbox selector lever
with locking button
(arrow).
Fig. 140 Right-hand
drive vehicles: Automatic
gearbox selector lever
with locking button
(arrow).
Selector
lever
positionsDenominationMeaning Ÿ
0Parking lock
The drive wheels are locked mechanically.
They only engage when the vehicle is at a
standstill. To change the position of the selec-
tor lever, press the brake pedal and switch on
the ignition.
2Reverse gearReverse gear is engaged.
Only select reverse gear when the vehicle is at
a standstill.
.NeutralThe gear box is in neutral. No movement is
transmitted to the wheels and the engine does
not act as a brake.
$
Standard for-
wards driving
position (nor-
mal pro-
gramme)The gears are changed (up and down) auto-
matically. The gear shifts are determined by
the engine load, your individual driving style
and the speed of the vehicle.
3
Standard for-
wards driving
position
(sports pro-
gramme)The shift up to a higher gear is automatically
delayed and the shift down is faster with
respect to the D range of gears, to take full
advantage of the engine power. The gear
shifts are determined by the engine load, your
individual driving style and the speed of the
vehicle.

Driving 206
Selector lever locking
The gear selector lever lock prevents, in P or N, a gear selection from being
inadvertently engaged and the vehicle moving off accidentally.
To release the gear selector lever lock, press and hold the brake pedal with
the ignition on. Press simultaneously on the selector lever lock.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly
through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible, for
instance, to rock the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow or
mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not
pressed and the lever is in position N for more than about one second at a
speed of less than 5 km/h (3 mph).
In vehicles with a DSG
® automatic gearbox, on rare occasions the selector
lever lock may not engage. In this case, the transmission is locked to prevent
the vehicle from moving accidentally. The green control light
K flashes and
an information text is displayed. Proceed as follows to engage the selector
lever lock:
xPress the brake pedal and then release.
WARNING
Placing the selector lever in an incorrect position may cause loss of control
of the vehicle and a serious accident.
xDo not press the accelerator when engaging a range of gears.
xWith the engine running and a range of gears selected, the vehicle will
move off when the brake pedal is released.
xNever select reverse gear or the parking lock while driving.
WARNING
Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xAs a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is running
and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is running, you must apply the electronic parking brake and engage parking
lock P.
xWhile the engine is running and with the D, S or R range of gears
selected, keep the brake pressed to keep the vehicle at a standstill. Trans-
mission is not totally interrupted either when the vehicle is idling or when
the vehicle continues moving forwards.
xNever engage the R or P gear ranges when the vehicle is moving.
xNever leave the vehicle with the gear selector in N. The vehicle may
move downhill regardless of whether the engine is switched on or not.
Caution
If, when the vehicle is at a standstill, the electronic parking brake is not
applied and the brake pedal is released while in position P, the vehicle may
move a few centimetres forwards or backwards.
Note
If, while driving, the selector lever is accidentally placed in position N, lift your
foot off the accelerator. Wait until the engine is running at idle speed before
selecting a new gear ratio.
WARNING (continued)

Driving207
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing gears with Tiptronic*
The Tiptronic system allows you to manually change gears in vehicles with an
automatic gearbox. When you change to the Tiptronic programme, the vehicle remains in the currently selected gear. This is possible as long as the
system is not changing gear automatically due to a traffic situation.
Using Tiptronic with the selector lever
xPress the selector lever from position D to the right into the Tiptronic
selector gate Ÿ in “Automatic gearbox*: Selecting gears” on page 205.
xPress the lever forwards or backwards to move up or down a gear
Ÿfig. 141.
Using the Tiptronic with the steering wheel paddle shifts
xIn D or S, move the steering wheel paddle shifts Ÿfig. 142.
xPull the right-hand side paddle Ÿfig. 142 towards the steering
wheel to step up a gear.
xPull the left-hand side paddle Ÿfig. 142 towards the steering wheel
step down a gear.
If the paddles are not used for a period of time, the vehicle leaves Tiptronic
mode.
Caution
xWhen accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next gear
shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
xWhen reducing speed manually, the gear box only shifts gear when the
engine can no longer exceed the maximum engine speed.
Driving with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves.
Fig. 141 Selector lever in
Tiptronic position (left-
hand drive vehicles). The
lay-out in right-hand drive
vehicles is symmetrically
opposed.
Fig. 142 Steering wheel
with two paddle shifts for
Tiptronic.
A+A