2010 Seat Alhambra battery

Driving 196
Ignition lock
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition lock,
it can be removed as follows:
xAutomatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Press and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed from
the vehicle.
xManual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition.
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious injury.
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.
xNever remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
Note
If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods, the
vehicle battery will run flat.
Fig. 134 Vehicle key positions
Car keys Ÿfig. 134
No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may be activated.
Ignition off, all electrical components disconnected. Key can be
removed from the vehicle.
Ignition is switched on. Pre-heating of diesel engine. The steering
lock can be unlocked.
Switch on the engine. Release the key when the engine has started.
When it is released, the key returns to position .
A0
A1
A2A1

Driving197
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can only be removed from the ignition
lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and release
the selector lever locking button.
Starter button*
The starter button can only be used if there is a valid key inside the vehicle.
On leaving the vehicle with the ignition switched off, the electronic lock on
the steering column is activated when the driver's door is opened
Ÿpage 192.
Switching the ignition on/off
xBriefly press the starter button once without pressing the clutch or brake
pedal Ÿ.Emergency starting function
If the system has not recognised a valid key inside the vehicle, the emergency
starter function is activated. The corresponding information text is displayed
on instrument panel. This may occur, for example, if the key battery is flat or
very low:
xPlace the key close to the steering column immediately after passing the
start button.
xThe engine starts automatically.
Emergency disconnection
If it is not possible to switch off the engine by briefly pressing the starter
button, the emergency disconnection system should be used:
xPress the starter button twice within a second or press it once for more
than two seconds Ÿ in “Stopping the engine” on page 199.
xThe engine turns off automatically.
Re-starting the engine
If, after the engine is switched off, a valid key is not detected in the vehicle,
the engine can only be started after an interval of approximately 5 seconds.
The corresponding message is displayed on the instrument panel.
After this interval, it will not be possible to start the engine without a valid key
inside the vehicle.
WARNING
Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xWhen the starter button is pressed do not press the brake or clutch
pedal as the engine will start immediately.
Fig. 135 Detailed view of
the centre console: KESSY
starter and lock system:
Starter button.

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
could move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an accident
and serious injury.
WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a sudden increase in the engine
speed.
xNever use start boosters.
Caution
xAn attempt to start the engine while driving or starting the engine imme-
diately after turning it off can cause damage to the engine or starter motor.
xWhen the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not make the engine work hard.
xDo not push or tow start the engine. Sunburnt fuel could damage the cata-
lytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bility is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions.
Note
For example, if the key battery is very worn or flat, the engine cannot be
started with the starter button. In this case, remove the ignition button from
the lock and insert the key.
Note
Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off
temporarily when the engine starts.
Note
When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for technical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for
concern.
Note
At temperatures below +5 °C (+41 °F), smoke may be given off below the
vehicle when the additional heater is connected.
Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
StepVehicles without KESSYVehicles with KESSY
1.Stopping the vehicle completely Ÿ.
2.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been com-
pleted.
3.In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position P.
4.Connect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.

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Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible cause ŸSolution
H (red)
Together with the control
lamp
G on the button: Elec-
tronic parking brake on.Ÿpage 212
Fault in the brake system› Stop the vehicle!
Seek professional assistance!
Ÿpage 215.
Brake fluid level inadequate.› Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level
Ÿpage 219.
Together with the ABS control
lamp
J: ABS fault.
Contact a specialist workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
K (red)Brake pedal not pressed!Press brake pedal to the floor.
I (yel-
low)Front brake pads worn.
Contact a specialist workshop
immediately. Inspect all the
brake pads and replace as nec-
essary.
« (yel-
low)
ESP disconnected by system.Switching the ignition on and off
If necessary, drive for a short
distance.
Fault in ESP.Contact a specialist workshop.
Together with the ABS control
lamp
J: Fault in ABS.
Contact a specialist workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
The battery has been recon-
nected.Ÿpage 318
l (yel-
low)TCS manually deactivated.
To turn on the TCS Ÿpage 218.
TCS is automatically activated
when the ignition is switched on
or off.
J (yel-
low)
Together with the ESP control
lamp
«: Fault in ABS.Contact a specialist workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
Together with the warning
lamp
H or : ABS fault.
 (yel-
low)Together with the warning
lamp
H flashing: Electronic
parking brake faulty.Contact a specialist workshop.
K
(green)Brake pedal not pressed.
Press the brake pedal to select a
gear ratio.
Press the brake pedal to discon-
nect the electronic parking
brake Ÿpage 212.
flashesPossible cause ŸSolution
H (red)
Electronic parking brake
faulty. The control lamp

may light up at the same time
or the control lamp
G may
flash on the button.
Contact a specialised workshop,
as it may not be possible to park
the vehicle in safety.
« (yel-
low)ESP or TCS adjusting.Take your foot off the accelera-
tor. Adjust your driving style to
the road conditions.
lights upPossible cause ŸSolution

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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

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Start assist systems
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xSEAT information system Ÿpage 70
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
xJump starting Ÿpage 371
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the start assist systems cannot change the
laws of physics. The improved comfort provided by start assist systems
should not prompt you to take risks.
xUnintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xThe start assist systems are not a replacement for driver awareness.
xAlways try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving to
the condition of the ground or the road and to weather and traffic condi-
tions.
xThe start assist system cannot keep the vehicle stationary in all condi-
tions on a gradient or cause it to brake on steep downhill gradients, e.g. if
the road is slippery or icy.

Driving 224
Important conditions for the engine to automatically switch off
xThe driver seat belt must be buckled.
xThe driver door must be closed.
xThe bonnet must be closed.
xThe factory-fitted towing bracket must not be electrically connected to a
trailer.
xA minimum engine temperature has been reached.
xThe vehicle has moved since the last stop.
xIn vehicles with Climatronic: The temperature inside the vehicle is within
the preset temperature range.
xThe temperature set is neither very high nor very low.
xThe air conditioning defrost function is not switched on.
xIn vehicles with Climatronic: the blower has not been manually set to a
high speed.
xThe power level of the vehicle's battery is sufficient.
xThe vehicle's battery temperature is neither too high nor too low.
xThe vehicle is not on a steep gradient or slope.
xThe front wheels are not overly turned.
xThe heated windscreen is not switched on.
xReverse gear is not engaged.
xThe park assist system is not switched on.
Conditions for automatically restarting the engine
The engine may automatically restart under the following conditions:
xIf the vehicle interior is too hot or too cold.
xIf the vehicle moves.
xIf the vehicle's battery voltage drops.
Conditions requiring the key to restart the engine
The engine must be started using the key under the following conditions:
xIf the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
xIf the driver's door is opened.
xIf the bonnet is opened.
xIn vehicles with a manual gearbox: If a gear has been selected.
Switching Start-Stop mode on and off manually
xPress the button on the centre console Ÿpage 223, fig. 147.
xThe button will light up when the Start-Stop function is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when it is
switched off manually.
WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do not work when the engine is
switched off.
xNever allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
Caution
Using the Start-Stop function for a long period at very high outdoor tempera-
tures could damage the vehicle's battery.
Note
In some cases, you may have to restart the vehicle using the key. Observe the
corresponding message on the instrument panel display.
›

Driving and the environment255
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Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xChanging gear Ÿpage 201
xRefuelling Ÿpage 293
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xEngine oil Ÿpage 309
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xInformation stored in the control units Ÿpage 285
xTow-starting and towing away Ÿpage 375
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
xDo not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.
Warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
%0#Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
DPre-heating a diesel engine
before starting the engine.Ÿpage 195
BFault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.
¬Diesel particulate filter
blocked
Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual gearbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits Ÿ.
If the warning lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop Ÿpage 256.
flashesPossible causeSolution
DFault in the engine manage-
ment (diesel engines).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
B
Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic con-
verter.You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.