2010 Seat Alhambra check engine

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.

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.

Driving 210
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
The assisted braking systems include the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the
brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential system (EDS), the trac-
tion control system (TCS) and the electronic stabilisation program (ESP).
Additional information and warnings:
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xStart assist systems Ÿpage 221
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to serious
accident.
xIf I lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the instru-
ment panel, please go immediately to a specialist workshop to check the
brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
xNever remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the
vehicle impossible to control.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
xAlways apply the electronic parking brake when you leave your vehicle
and when you park.
xNever leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They could
release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or gear
stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in serious accident.
xAlways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as the
windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
xNever leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could be
trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get themselves
to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temperatures
inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or extremely low
resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, particularly for
young children.
Caution
xSpecial care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
xSpecial attention is required when driving through entrances, over ramps,
kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards and
running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as you
drive over these objects.
WARNING (continued)

Driving213
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xPress button . At the same time, press the brake pedal hard or gently
press the accelerator pedal with the engine switched on.
xThe control lamps G on the button and H on the instrument panel go
out.
Automatic release of the electronic parking brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically released when the vehicle starts
moving, if the driver's door is closed and the driver is wearing his/her seat
belt. In vehicles with a manual gearbox the clutch pedal should also be
pressed to the floor before starting the engine so that the system recognises
that the parking brake should be released.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function if the vehicle cannot be stopped
with the brake pedal Ÿ!
xPull button hard to stop the vehicle. The warning display will be
accompanied by the corresponding warning chime.
xTo stop the braking process, release the button or press the accelerator.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake may result in serious acci-
dent.
xNever use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle except in an
emergency. The braking distance is considerably longer, because braking
is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use the foot brake.
xNever accelerate from the engine compartment with the engine running
and a gear or a gear range engaged. The vehicle could move, even if the
parking brake is applied.
Note
In vehicles with a manual gearbox: When the clutch pedal is released and the
accelerator pressed at the same time, the electronic parking brake is auto-
matically released.
Note
If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be possible to disconnect the electronic
parking brake. Use the jump-start Ÿpage 371.
Note
When the electronic parking brake is applied or released, noises may be
heard.
Note
If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long while, the system
sometimes performs automatic and audible checks while the vehicle is at a
standstill.
Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal requirements should be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
xPark the vehicle on a suitable surface Ÿ.
xPress and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
xConnect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 212.
xFor an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
G
G

Driving 214
xSwitch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
xRemove the key from the ignition.
xIf necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
xWith a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes, or
even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
xEnsure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
xWhen leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
xLock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the
vehicle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
xOn slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
xUphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire and considerable damage.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
Caution
xSpecial care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
xSpecial attention is required when driving through entrances, over ramps,
kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as you
drive over these objects.
Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200 miles), new brake pads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first Ÿ.
The slightly reduced braking effect can be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking distance or
emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads have been
run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations requiring
braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialist workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the bake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher speed,
dry the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce brake efficiency and
increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged period on salted roads
without braking then brake carefully several times to eliminate the layer of
salt on the brakes Ÿ.
If the vehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a buildup of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and

Driving 216
Caution
xNever make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
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.
Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the time to also check the rear
brake pads. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked visually and
regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or from under-
neath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them thoroughly.
SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Assisted braking systems
The assisted braking systems ESP, ABS, BAS, TCS and EDS only operate when
the ignition is switched on. They contribute significantly to increasing active
safety.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)
ESP reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by braking
individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESP detects critical
handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on the
driven wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels
or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESP has limits. It is important to realise that the ESP is also subject to the
laws of physics. ESP will not be able to deal with all situations with which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface changes suddenly then
ESP will not be useful in all cases. If the vehicle suddenly enters a section
covered by water, mud or snow then ESP will not provide assistance in the
same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the ground and
moves on a film of water (aquaplaning), the ESP will not be able to assist the
driver to control the vehicle due to the loss of adherence with the road surface
preventing braking and steering. If the vehicle is driven through series of
bends at high speed, the ESP will not always be as effective: the vehicle reac-
tion to aggressive driving is not the same as at reduced speeds. When driving
with a trailer, ESP does not provide the same amount of vehicle control as
without a trailer.
Adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic and weather conditions.
ESP cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; improve the transmission
available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a lack of driver attention
creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESP assists in maintaining vehicle
control in extreme situations and uses the movements of the steering made
by the driver to maintain the vehicle moving in the desired direction. If the
vehicle is driven at such a speed that it will leave the road before ESP can
intervene then the system cannot provide assistance.
The ABS, BAS, TCS and EDS systems are incorporated into the ESP. The ESP is
always on. The ESP should only be turned off using the TCS button
Ÿpage 218, fig. 144 when traction is insufficient. Always remember to turn
on the TCS once more when the vehicle has traction once again.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking during braking until just before the
vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain
control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is
reduced:
xPress and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake pedal or reduce braking force!
xDo not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
xMaintain vehicle direction when braking fully.

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 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.