2010 Seat Alhambra ECO mode

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 186
Switching air recirculation mode on and off manually 
Switching on: press the corresponding button until the light under the symbol  comes on.
Switching off: press the button until no indicator remains lit.
Automatic air recirculation mode
o
Fresh air enters the vehicle interior in position o. If the system detects a high
concentration of hazardous substances in the ambient air, air recirculation
mode is switched on automatically. When the level of impurities drops to
within a normal range, recirculation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant smells.
Air recirculation mode is not automatically switched on in the following cases
of outside temperatures and conditions:
xThe cooling system is switched on (the button is lit up) and the
outside temperature is below +3 °C (+38 °F).
xThe cooling system and the windscreen wipers are switched off and the
outside temperature is below +10 °C (+50 °F).
xThe cooling system is switched on, the outside temperature is below +15
°C (+59 °F) and the windscreen wipers are switched on.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode on and off
Switching on: press the button until the light under the symbol
o
comes on.
Switching off: press the button until no button remains lit.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode off temporarily
xPress the button once to temporarily switch to manual air recircula-
tion mode in the event of unpleasant smells from outside. The control light
under the symbol
 comes on.
xAfter more than two seconds, press the button again to restart
automatic air recirculation. The control light under the symbol o comes on.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
xNever use recirculation mode for long periods as it does not refresh the
air inside the vehicle.
xIf the cooling mode is switched off and air recirculation mode switched
on, the windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
xSwitch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
Caution
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with a climate
control system. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system vaporiser
and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter, leading
to a permanently unpleasant smell.
Note
Air recirculation mode switches on to prevent exhaust gas from entering the
vehicle interior when it is in reverse and while the automatic windscreen
wash and wipe is working.
AC
 o
 o
 o
 o

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 190
Checking programming
If the timer has been switched on after switching the ignition off, the instant
on button will remain lit for around ten seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating system to be activated and oper-
ated in closed, unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
User instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located below the vehicle must be kept
clear of snow, mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes must not be
obstructed in any way. The exhaust fumes generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on the outside temperature the
warm air is first directed at the windscreen and then to the rest of the
passenger compartment through the air vents. If the air vents are turned
towards the windows, for example, the form of air distribution may be
affected.
Depending on the outside temperature, the temperature at which the auxil-
iary heater warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat higher if the heating
or climate control temperature control is set to maximum before switching the
heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with auxiliary heater may be fitted with a
second battery in the luggage compartment that is responsible for powering
the auxiliary heater.
Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not switch on
xThe auxiliary heater requires about as much power as the dipped head-
lights. If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off automat-
ically or will not even switch on. This avoids problems when starting the
engine.
xThe heater will switch just once each time. The timer will also have to be
switched back on every time it is required.
Menu optionsDescription
Switching on
Switching off
The auxiliary heater can be set to come on automatically if
required. To do so, select a timer:
– The timer is displayed marked with a
y.
– Only one timer can be selected. If a timer has been
selected, Prog. ON will be displayed on the screen. If no
timer has been selected, the instrument panel screen will
display Prog. OFF.
– To modify the programmed timer, select another timer or
select the Off option.
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3Three different timers (hh.mm) can later be selected using
the On option. If the auxiliary heater is to be switched on
for just a certain day of the week, select the day of the
week and the time for the auxiliary heater to come on.
DurationThe operating time may vary between 10 and 60 minutes
and can be set to 5-minute intervals.
Operating
modeSet to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when the auxil-
iary heater is switched on.
DaySet the current day of the week.
Manufacturer's
settingsThe predefined factory values for the functions of this
menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the main menu
>
WARNING (continued)

Driving 208
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. The lowest gears
increase the engine braking work. Never go down hills with the selector lever
in neutral N.
xYou should reduce speed accordingly.
xPress the selector lever from position D to the right into the Tiptronic
selector gate Ÿpage 207.
xGently pull the selector lever back to change down a gear.
xALTERNATIVELY: Reduce using the steering wheel paddles Ÿpage 207.
Emergency program
If all the selector lever positions on the instrument panel display are shown
with a light-coloured background, this means there is a fault in the system.
The automatic gearbox will operate in emergency programme mode. When
the emergency program is activated, it is possible to drive the vehicle
however, at low speeds and within a selected range of gears.
For the DSG
® dual clutch gearbox, in some cases, this may mean that reverse
gear does not engage. The gearbox should be checked by a qualified work-
shop as soon as possible.
Overload protection for the 6-speed DSG gearbox
®
When the clutch is overloaded, the vehicle begins to jerk and the selector
lever position indicator begins to flash. To prevent damage to the clutch, this
interrupts the power transmission between the engine and the gearbox.
There is no more traction and it is not possible to accelerate. If the clutch is
opened automatically due to overloading, press the brake pedal. Wait a few
seconds before starting to move again.
Kick-down
The kick-down system provides maximum acceleration when the gear
selector lever is in the positions D, S or in the Tiptronic position.When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down, the automatic gearbox will
shift down to a lower gear, depending on road speed and engine speed. This
takes advantage of the maximum acceleration of the vehicle Ÿ.
When the accelerator is pressed to the floor, the automatic gearbox shifts to
the next gear only after the engine reaches the specified maximum engine
speed.
Launch-Control Programme
The Launch-Control programme enables maximum acceleration while at a
standstill.
xDeactivating the TCS Ÿpage 210.
xPress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
xPlace the selector lever in position S or Tiptronic.
xPress the accelerator with the right foot until the vehicle reaches an
engine speed of approximately 3,200 rpm.
xLift the left foot off the brake Ÿ. The vehicle starts with maximum
acceleration.
xTurn on the TCS after accelerating!
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 kick-down and rapid acceleration when weather conditions,
surface conditions and traffic conditions permit; accelerate and drive in a
manner that does not endanger other road users.
xPlease remember that the driven wheels can slip and the vehicle can
skid if the TCS is turned off, especially on slippery ground.
xTurn on the TCS after accelerating.

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 230
xWhen cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spray the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm.
Note
Contact a specialist workshop with any system faults. SEAT recommends
visiting a qualified workshop.
Parking using the park assist system
Fig. 153 Gap detected: Engage the reverse gear to park (parallel or nose/tail to the
kerb).
Preparing to park
xThe Traction control system (TCS) must be turned on Ÿpage 210.
xParallel parking: press the button at speeds up to 50 km/h once.
When the function is enabled, the button Ÿfig. 152 will light up.
xPerpendicular parking: press the button at speeds up to 50 km/h
twice. When the function is enabled, the button Ÿfig. 152 will light up.
xIf necessary, press the button once more to change parking mode.
xApply the turn signal indicator for the side on which a gap is to be
detected for parking. The instrument panel displays the side corresponding
to the road.
Parking
xParking parallel to the road: Drive next to the gap at a speed of no more
than 40 km/h and at a distance of between 0.5 m and 2 m.
Fig. 152 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
to switch the park assist
system on manually.i
i
i

Driving 234
Rear Assist system*
Introduction
The camera fitted to the tailgate helps drivers during parking or reversing
manoeuvres. The camera image and certain orientation points generated by
the system are indicated on the factory-fitted radio or navigation system
screen.
Two types of location point (modes) can be selected:
xMode 1: reverse parking perpendicular to the road (e.g. in a car park).
xMode 2: reverse parking parallel to the curb.
The mode can be changed by pressing the button on the radio or navigation
system screen. Only the mode to which the points can be changed will be
displayed.
Additional information and warnings:
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Use of the camera to calculate the distance from obstacles (people, vehi-
cles, etc.) is inaccurate and may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xThe camera lens expands and distorts the field of vision and displays
the objects on the screen in a different, vague manner.
xSome objects may not be displayed or may not be very clear (e.g. very
thin posts or fences), due to the resolution of the monitor or if the light is
dim.
xThe camera has blind spots in which obstacles and people are not regis-
tered.
xKeep the camera lens clean and clear of snow and ice. Do not cover it.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the rear assist system cannot change the
limits imposed by the laws of physics and by the system itself. Careless or
uncontrolled use of the rear assist system may result in severe injuries and
accidents. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xAlways keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and always look
towards where you are parking. The display shows the path of the rear end
of the vehicle using the current steering angle. The front of the vehicle
turns more in comparison with the rear.
xDo not be distracted from the traffic when looking at the screen.
xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the cameras do not
always detect children, animals or objects.
xThe system might not show all areas clearly.
xOnly use the rear assist system when the tailgate is completely closed.
Caution
xThe camera only displays 2D images on the screen. Due to the lack of
depth, it might be difficult or impossible to recognise protruding objects or
cracks in the road.
xThe cameras may not always be able to detect objects such as thin rails,
fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in damage to your car.

Driving235
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
User instructions
Function buttons on the screen:
y display the menu; … hide the menu.
O Turning off the reversing camera imagesDisplay help. The help list explains the surfaces and lines on the camera
image. Press
E to exit help.
Mute the sound.
Adjust the display: brightness, contrast, colour.
Switching on the orientation points for rear parking perpendicular to the
road (mode 1).
Displaying the optical parking system.
Fig. 154 On the boot lid:
location of the rear assist
camera.
Fig. 155 Rear assist
display: mode 2
connected.
A1
A2
FunctionOperations in vehicles with
no optical parking system
(OPS)Operations in vehicles with
the optical parking system
(OPS)
Switching the
display on auto-
matically:select reverse gear with the ignition switched on or the
engine running. Mode 1 will be displayed.
Switching the
display off man-
ually:
Press a button to select the area on the radio or the navi-
gation system ŸBooklet “Radio” or ŸBooklet “Naviga-
tion system”.
ALTERNATIVELY: Press the button on the screen.
ALTERNATIVELY: After switching off the ignition, the rear
assist image remains on the screen for a short period.
Press button .
Switching off
the display by
disengaging
reverse gear:The image will switch off
after around 10 seconds.The OPS display will imme-
diately be shown.
Switching off
the display by
driving for-
wards:Drive forwards at more than
approx. 15 km/h.Drive forwards at more than
approx. 10 km/h.
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
O
'

Driving 248
xIf tyres are inflated at different pressures or a tyre pressure is too low,
a tyre may be damaged and burst resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle.
xThe driver is responsible for ensuring that all of the vehicle tyres are
correctly inflated to the right pressure. The recommended tyre pressure is
indicated on the label Ÿpage 328, fig. 183.
xThe tyre monitoring system can only operate correctly if all of the tyres
are inflated to the correct pressure when cold.
xDriving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause damage to them and
result in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres corre-
spond to the vehicle load.
xBefore starting a journey, always inflated tyres to the correct pressure.
xIf tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is subject to greater forces and
it may be heated to such an extent that the tread can rupture and the tyre
will burst.
xWith an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burst resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
xTyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of the
tyre, affecting the vehicle's performance.
xIf a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; drive to the nearest specialist workshop at a moderate speed
and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure.
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.
Tyre monitoring indicator
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and, with this informa-
tion, the tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the tread of a wheel is
changed, the tyre monitoring indicator will indicate as such on the instrument
panel. The wheel tread changes when:
xTyre pressure is insufficient.
xTyre structure is damaged.
xThe vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
xThe wheels on an axle are subject to a heavier load (e.g. when towing a
trailer).
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 161 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
for the tyre pressure
monitoring indicator.