2010 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications 288
xNever fit recycled or reused airbag components in your vehicle.
WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, including the use of unauthorised
wheel and tyre combinations, may affect the performance of the airbags
and increase the risk of serious or fatal injury in the event of accident.
xNever fit suspension components which are not identical to the original
parts mounted in the vehicle.
xNever use wheel and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT.
Retro-fitting of two-way radios
An exterior aerial is required for the use of two-way radios in the vehicle.
The retro-fitting of electrical or electronic appliances in the vehicle is subject
to their approval for use in your vehicle. Under certain circumstances, this
could mean that your vehicle registration documents are no longer valid.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with two-way radios providing the
following conditions are observed:
xThe exterior aerial must be mounted professionally.
xThe maximum transmitting power is 10 watts.
An only external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal reach.
Check first with a qualified dealer if you wish to use a two-way radio with a
transmitting power of over 10 watts. The qualified workshops are familiar
with the technical options for installation. SEAT recommends visiting a quali-
fied workshop.All legal requirements, together with the instructions for the use of two-way
radios must be observed.
WARNING
If the two-way radio is not securely fastened in position, it could be sent
flying around the vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden manoeuvres
or accident, causing injury.
xWhile driving, two-way radios must be securely fastened in position,
outside the radius of action of the airbags, or safely stowed away.
WARNING
When using a two-way radio without a connection to an exterior aerial, the
maximum permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation may be exceeded.
This is also the case if the aerial has not been correctly installed.
xYou should only use a two-way radio inside the vehicle if it has first
been correctly connected to an exterior aerial.
Information stored by the control units
Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a series of electronic control units
responsible for the engine and gearbox management. In addition, the control
units supervise the performance of the exhaust gas system and the airbag
systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven, these electronic control units are
continuously analysing the vehicle data. In the event of faults or deviations
from the theoretical values, only this data is stored. Normally, the warning
lamps on the instrument panel light up in the event of faults.
This data can only be read and analysed using special equipment.
WARNING (continued)

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications289
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a The storing of the data allows specialised workshops to detect and repair
faults. Stored data may include:
xData relating to the engine or the gearbox
xSpeed
xDirection of travel
xBraking force
xDetection of seat belt
The vehicle control units never record conversations held by passengers in
the vehicle.
In vehicles equipped with an emergency call function via the mobile phone or
other appliances connected in the vehicle, it is possible to send the vehicle
position. If the control unit records an accident with airbag activation, the
system may automatically send a signal. This will depend on the network
operator. Normally, transmission is only possible in areas with good
coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the vehicle information. Therefore,
in the event of accident, it is possible to obtain detailed information about
how the accident occurred. For example, in vehicles with airbag systems,
data relating to speed of impact, seat belt status, seat positions and airbag
activation times may be stored. The volume of data depends on the manufac-
turer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted with authorisation from the vehicle
owner and, in some countries, they are governed by local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the component management is stored
in the control units. The programming of certain convenience functions, such
as the convenience indicators, individual door opening and instructions on
the display can be modified using special equipment at the workshop. If this is the case, the information and descriptions given in the instructions manual
will not match the original functions. Therefore, SEAT recommends that any
modifications are recorded in the section “Other workshop notes” in the
Maintenance Programme.
The Technical Service must have a record of any modification to the program-
ming.
Reading the vehicle fault memory
There is a diagnostics connector in the vehicle interior for reading the vehicle
fault memory. The fault memory documents errors and deviations from the
theoretical values of the electronic control units.
The diagnostics connector is in the driver's side footwell area, next to the
lever for opening the bonnet, below a cover.
The fault memory should only be read and reset by a qualified workshop.
Using a mobile telephone in a vehicle without connection to
an exterior aerial
Mobile telephones transmit and receive radio waves, both when in use and
when on stand-by. Scientific studies state that radio waves exceeding certain
values may be harmful to the human body. International committees and
authorities have established limits and directives in order to ensure electro-
magnetic radiation from mobile phones remains within certain limits that do
not endanger human health. However, there is no available conclusive scien-
tific evidence that cordless phones are completely safe.
Therefore, some experts recommend that use of mobile phone be kept to a
minimum until the results of current research are published.
When a mobile phone not connected to an exterior aerial is used inside the
vehicle, the electromagnetic radiation may be greater than if the mobile
phone were connected to a built-in aerial or to another exterior aerial.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications 290
If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-free device, it will comply with the
legislation in many countries which only permits the use of mobile phones
inside vehicles using a hands-free device.
The hands-free system mounted at the factory has been designed for use with
conventional mobile phones and phones with Bluetooth technology. Mobile
phones should be placed on a suitable phone cradle. In addition, the cradle
should always be correctly fitted into the base plate. This ensures that the
mobile phone is securely fastened to the instrument panel and connected to
the exterior aerial of the vehicle.
If the mobile phone is connected to an aerial incorporated into the vehicle or
an exterior aerial connected to the vehicle, this will help to reduce the elec-
tromagnetic radiation transmitted and the risk to human health. It will also
improve the quality of the connection.
If the phone is used inside the vehicle without the hands-free system, it will
not be securely fastened and will not be connected to the exterior aerial of the
vehicle telephone. Nor will the telephone charge if it is not on the support. In
addition, some calls may break off and the quality of the connection will be
affected.
Mobile phones should only be used inside the vehicle if they are connected
to a hands-free system with an exterior aerial.
WARNING
If the mobile phone is not securely fastened in position, it could be sent
flying around the vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden manoeuvres
or accident, causing injury.
xWhile driving, mobile phones must be securely fastened in position,
outside the radius of action of the airbags, or safely stowed away.
WARNING
When using a mobile phone without a connection to an exterior aerial, the
maximum permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation may be exceeded.
This is also the case if the aerial has not been correctly installed.
xA minimum of 20 centimetres should be kept between mobile phone
aerials and artificial pacemakers, as mobile telephones may affect the
working of pacemakers.
xDo not carry a mobile phone in your breast pocket directly over the
pacemaker when the phone is switched on.
xIf you suspect interference, switch the mobile phone off immediately.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications291
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Jacking points for raising vehicle
Always use the jacking points indicated in the figures Ÿfig. 167 and
Ÿfig. 168 when raising the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at these points,
it could be seriously damaged Ÿ or lead to serious injury Ÿ.The vehicle should not be lifted using lifting platforms with lift pads
containing fluid.
When raising a vehicle using a platform or jack, a series of precautionary
measures are required. Never raise the vehicle with a lifting platform or jack
unless you have received training in how to do so and know how to lift the
vehicle safely.
Notes on raising the vehicle with a jack Ÿpage 342.
WARNING
The improper use of the lifting platform or the jack when raising the vehicle
may result in accidents or serious injury.
xBefore raising the vehicle, please observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions for the platform or jack, and the legal requirements, where appli-
cable.
xThere should not be anyone inside the vehicle when it is being raised or
once it is in the air.
xOnly use the jacking points indicated in the figures Ÿfig. 167 and
Ÿfig. 168 when raising the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at the indi-
cated points, it may fall from the platform while the engine or gearbox is
being dismounted, for example.
xThe jacking points should be centrally aligned and firmly positioned on
the platform support plates.
xNever start the engine when the vehicle is raised! The vehicle may fall
from the platform due to the engine vibrations.
xIf it is necessary to work underneath the vehicle while it is raised, you
should check that the supporting stands have an adequate load capacity.
xNever climb onto the lifting platform.
xAlways make sure that the weight of the vehicle does not exceed the
lifting platform load capacity.
Fig. 167 Front jacking
points for raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack.
Fig. 168 Rear jacking
points for raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications 292
Caution
xNever raise the vehicle at the engine oil sump, the gearbox or the rear or
front axles.
xAlways use an intermediate rubber support to prevent damage to the
vehicle underbody. Check that the arms of the lifting platform are able to
move with obstruction.
xThe arms should not come into contact with the side running boards or
other parts of the vehicle.

Checking and refilling levels293
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Checking and refilling levels
Filling the tank
Introduction
The fuel tank flap is on the rear right of the vehicle.
Additional information and warnings:
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xSelective Catalytic Reduction (AdBlue) Ÿpage 300
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire
resulting in serious burns and injuries.
xAlways make sure that you correctly close the fuel cap to avoid evapo-
ration and fuel spillage.
xFuels are highly explosive and inflammable substances that can cause
serious burns and injuries.
xFuel could leak out or be spilt if the engine is not switched off or if the
filler fuel nozzle is not fully inserted into the tank filler neck when refuel-
ling. This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
xWhen refuelling, turn off the engine, the auxiliary heating
(Ÿpage 187) and turn off the ignition for safety reasons.
xAlways turn off mobile telephones, radio apparatus and other radio
wave emitting equipment before refuelling. Electromagnetic waves could
cause sparks and lead to a fire.
xNever enter the vehicle while refuelling. If it is absolutely necessary to
enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal surface before touching
the filler nozzle again. This will prevent the generation of static electricity.
Sparks could cause a fire when refuelling.
xNever handle fuel close to open flames, sparks or objects with slow
combustion (e.g. cigarettes).
xAvoid static electricity and electro-magnetic radiation when refuelling.
xObserve the safety regulations of the service station.
xNever spill fuel on the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canister
in the vehicle. Fuel could be spilled and catch fire, above all in case of an
accident and this applies to a full container as well as empty containers.
This could lead to explosions, fires and injuries.
xObserve the following if you exceptionally have to carry fuel in a
canister:
Never place a fuel container to fill it inside the vehicle or on the
vehicle, for example, in the luggage compartment or on the tailgate.
Filling in these circumstances could create an electrostatic charge and
spark that could ignite fuel fumes.
Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as
possible.
If you are using a metal fuel canister, the nozzle must always touch
the canister while it is being filled to avoid static electricity.
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 294
Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spare fuel canisters.
Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, for example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
Caution
xAlways remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
xRefuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a diesel engine with petrol can
cause serious engine and fuel system damage; the resulting malfunctions
are not covered by the SEAT warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of fuel,
never start the engine. This applies to even the smallest amount of the wrong
fuel. You should obtain professional assistance. With the engine running, the
composition of the wrong fuel could significantly damage the fuel system and
the engine itself.
xIn vehicles with a diesel engine, under no circumstances should you
refuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other type of different
fuel. Other types of fuels could cause serious damage to the engine and to
the fuel supply system and the resulting problems are not covered by the
SEAT warranty.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.
Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the manual release of the tank flap. If
necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel.
Control lamps and fuel gauge
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.
The auxiliary heater and the auxiliary heater running off petrol will automati-
cally switch off when the indicator
z or  lights.
WARNING (continued)
lights upGauge position
Ÿfig. 169Possible cause ŸSolution
Red mark
(arrow)
The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is
being used
Ÿpage 392.
Refuel as soon as
possible Ÿ.
§Fuel tank not closed
correctly.Stop the vehicle and
close the tank flap
properly.
Fig. 169 On the instru-
ment panel: Fuel gauge for
petrol and diesel.

Checking and refilling levels295
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could result in the vehicle breaking
down in traffic and a serious accident.
xIf the fuel level is too low then the fuel supply to the engine can become
irregular especially on slopes.
xIf the engine “is choked” or stalls due to lack of or irregularity of the
fuel supply, the power steering as well as all of the driver assistance
systems including braking assistance will stop working.
xAlways refuel when there is only one quarter of the fuel tank left to
avoid running out of fuel.
Caution
xAlways pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descrip-
tions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
xNever run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply may lead to
ignition faults and unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system. This could
damage the catalytic converter filter or the diesel particulate filter!
Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel Ÿpage 294,
fig. 169 indicates the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
Filling the tank with petrol or diesel
Before refuelling, always turn off the engine, the ignition, mobile telephones,
auxiliary heating and keep them off during refuelling.
Unscrewing the tank cap
xThe tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
xPress the rear of the tank flap to open it.
xUnscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise and insert it in the hole in the tank
flap hinge Ÿfig. 170.
Refilling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is located on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap Ÿpage 297.
xIf the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off as
soon as the tank is full Ÿ.
xDo not continue to refuel if it is turned off! Otherwise, this will fill the
expansion chamber and fuel may leak out if the ambient conditions are warm.
Fig. 170 Open tank flap
with tank cap attached to
the holder.